Mohanlal remembers Sreenivasan with heartfelt note: “A beloved person who captured pain in laughter”

Mohanlal went on to highlight Sreenivasan’s unparalleled ability to portray the lives and struggles of ordinary people through his writing.

Malayalam veteran actor Sreenivasan passed away on December 20, leaving the film fraternity and fans deeply saddened. As condolences and tributes poured in from across the industry on Saturday, one of the most heartfelt messages came from actor Mohanlal, who shared a long and emotional note remembering his dear friend and longtime collaborator.

Taking to Facebook on Saturday, Mohanlal reflected on his bond with Sreenivasan and wrote, “Srini has departed without saying goodbye." He admitted that words fell short when it came to describing the relationship he shared with Sreenivasan, emphasising that their connection went far beyond that of colleagues who merely worked together in cinema.

Mohanlal went on to highlight Sreenivasan’s unparalleled ability to portray the lives and struggles of ordinary people through his writing. “No one else can express the dreams and broken dreams of the middle class like Sreeni. The characters we created together will last forever, only because of the magic in Sreeni's writing. Dasan and Vijayan became their own people for every Malayali because of Sreeni's blessed writing talent. His works were a reflection of society. A beloved person who captured pain in laughter. On screen and in life, we traveled together forever, laughing, having fun, fighting, and getting along like Dasan and Vijayan," he added.

Mohanlal also paid tribute to their 43-year-long friendship, recalling Sreenivasan’s honest and straightforward approach to cinema. “He would speak his mind about a script or a movie, no matter who came to him—even a budding writer. Some were even scared to approach him! His questions were always precise, and his insight unmatched.”

In his note, Mohanlal acknowledged that the bond he shared with Sreenivasan extended far beyond the two of them. “In the same way, every Malayali shared a deep emotional connection with Srini,” he wrote, a sentiment that resonates widely even today. Sreenivasan’s characters, after all, were never isolated creations but deeply rooted in society and everyday life.

Speaking separately to Mathrubhumi, Mohanlal fondly recalled Sreenivasan’s candid nature and distinctive laughter. “Even Sreenivasan's laughter has a uniqueness of its own. I had expressed my wish that we should produce a film together, and that is how the film 'Katha Parayumpol' was jointly produced. The moments spent with Sreenivasan are golden moments. Even the criticism in his films was laced with humour,” he said.

Also read: Throwback to when Sreenivasan opened up on career, controversies and his relationship with Mohanlal

Mohanlal and Sreenivasan collaborated in over 20 films, forming one of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic on-screen partnerships. Their unforgettable portrayals as Dasan and Vijayan in films like Nadodikkattu, Pattanapravesham, and Akkare Akkare Akkare remain timeless classics.

The duo also delivered several beloved comedies together, including Chithram, Varavelpu, Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu, Kilichundan Mambazham, and Udayananu Tharam, cementing their legacy as one of Malayalam cinema’s most cherished pairings.