The Untold Story: Sathyan Anthikad Unveils 12-Year Rift with Mohanlal

In a candid revelation that has sent ripples through the Malayalam film industry, veteran director Sathyan Anthikad has openly discussed a surprising 12-year period of professional distance he maintained from superstar Mohanlal. What makes this estrangement particularly poignant is Anthikad's admission that while he was deeply upset, Mohanlal himself remained entirely unaware of the underlying reason for the director's sentiments.

Anthikad recounted the genesis of the rift, stemming from an incident where he had approached Mohanlal with a script, only to be told that the actor couldn't dedicate time to the project.

This rejection, coupled with what Anthikad perceived as Mohanlal's focus on more commercially driven films and influence from others, left a lasting sting. "I was upset because he couldn't dedicate time for a film with me, and I felt he was being advised by his manager and others against working on my 'simple, realistic' films, pushing him towards more commercial ventures," Anthikad explained.

For over a decade, Anthikad consciously chose not to collaborate with Mohanlal, even as the superstar continued to dominate the box office.

This self-imposed hiatus was born from a silent hurt, a feeling of being overlooked and misunderstood. Yet, in a twist of fate, Mohanlal himself was oblivious to the director's specific grievances, believing perhaps that the lull in their collaboration was merely a matter of finding the right script or timing.

The thawing of this prolonged cold spell came about through the mediation of producer Antony Perumbavoor, a close confidant of Mohanlal.

Perumbavoor, sensing the unspoken tension, played a crucial role in bringing the two stalwarts back to the negotiating table. This paved the way for their acclaimed reunion film, 'Snehaveedu', a project that not only marked their return to collaboration but also served as a catalyst for deeper understanding and rekindled friendship.

Reflecting on the past, Anthikad now views the situation with a matured perspective.

He acknowledges that Mohanlal might have been genuinely busy or perhaps misguided by advisors. Today, the once-strained relationship has blossomed into mutual respect and camaraderie. The duo is now reportedly working on another project, a testament to their enduring bond and the lessons learned from a decade of unspoken words.

This honest confession by Sathyan Anthikad offers a rare glimpse into the human dynamics that often play out behind the glitz and glamour of the film industry, reminding us that even the biggest stars and directors are susceptible to misunderstandings.