Exclusive: Unni Mukundan on collaborating with Sandeep Reddy Vanga
4 min read
A popular name in the Malayalam film industry, Unni Mukundan is enjoying pan-Indian attention with his film Marco. The film’s immense success has left him overwhelmed with gratitude as it marks a significant milestone in his career. In an exclusive conversation with Filmfare, Mukundan shared his insight on his portrayal of intense violence in Marco, his thoughts on the rise of regional cinema and the evolving landscape of Malayalam films. He also stressed the importance of staying true to the storytelling traditions of Malayalam cinema and addressed the reports of him collaborating with Sandeep Reddy Vanga for Spirit. Excerpts:
Marco has received love from all over India. How are you feeling?
I’m feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. Marco’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. I’m thrilled that our film has resonated with audiences across India, and I’m grateful for the love and appreciation we’ve received.
Your film has some intense violent scenes. How do you ensure that you portray violence responsibly on screen?
As an actor, I believe it’s essential to portray violence responsibly on screen. Marco’s violent scenes are not gratuitous; they serve a purpose in the narrative. We’ve taken care to ensure that the violence is not glorified or romanticized. Our goal is to create a cinematic experience that’s thought-provoking and entertaining, not to promote or condone violence.
Do you think violence as a theme is working more these days?
Violence as a theme has always been present in cinema. However, I believe that the way we portray violence has changed over time. Audiences are more discerning now, and they expect more nuanced and thoughtful storytelling. Marco’s success suggests that audiences are responding to our approach to portraying violence in a more realistic and impactful way.
The last couple of years have seen regional films attain the pan-Indian status. How do you view this change?
I think it’s a fantastic development! Regional cinema has always had a rich diversity of stories and talent. With the rise of regional films, we’re seeing a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape. It’s exciting to see regional films breaking barriers and resonating with audiences across India.
In a recent interview, you said that you don’t want the Malayalam film industry to chase pan-Indian trends. Why so?
While I’m thrilled about the success of pan-Indian films, I believe it’s essential for the Malayalam film industry to stay true to its roots and unique storytelling traditions. We shouldn’t feel pressured to chase trends or compromise our artistic vision to appeal to a broader audience. Instead, we should focus on creating authentic, high-quality cinema that showcases our distinct voices and perspectives.
The Malayalam film industry has changed significantly over the years. What are some of the biggest transformations you’ve witnessed?
I’ve seen a significant shift in the types of stories being told and the way they’re being told. There’s a greater emphasis on realism, and filmmakers are pushing boundaries in terms of genre, tone, and style. The industry has also become more inclusive, with more opportunities for new talent and diverse voices.
Do you think Malayalam film has gotten its due appreciation all over India?
I believe there’s still a long way to go. We have a rich cultural heritage and a unique storytelling tradition that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated across India. I’m hopeful that the success of films like Marco will help pave the way for more Malayalam films to reach a broader audience.
What challenges did you face when you first entered the film industry?
As a newcomer, I faced the usual challenges of establishing myself in a competitive industry. I had to work hard to prove myself as an actor and gain recognition. However, I was fortunate to have a supportive family and mentors who guided me through the early days of my career.
How do you think the digital platforms and OTT releases have influenced the industry and the kind of roles being offered to actors?
Digital platforms and OTT releases have democratized the industry, offering more opportunities for new talent and diverse voices. The shift to digital has also changed the way we consume content, with a greater emphasis on niche audiences and targeted storytelling. As an actor, I’m excited about the possibilities that digital platforms offer, and I’m looking forward to exploring new roles and genres.
Recently reports were doing the rounds that Sandeep Reddy Vanga approached for you for his film Spirit. Can we see this collaboration happening?
I’m a huge admirer of Sandeep Sir, given an opportunity I would like to associate with him.
Who is your biggest inspiration in the industry, and how have they influenced you?
Every hardworking actor and technician is my inspiration. Anybody who is honest to their craft is my inspiration.
Unni Mukundan speaks about his film Marco, the evolution of Malayalam cinema and more. Continue reading …Read More
