When Mohanlal lost his cool and slapped someone for badmouthing a Malayalam star

Mohanlal never named Prem Nazir but generations of fans and film industry people claim the remarks were made against the late legend.

Mohanlal, the Malayalam superstar, is one of the most peaceful persons anyone could come across in life or films. He is mostly known for being the epitome of grace under pressure, never of public aggression. But once, in a candid admission, the actor admitted to an uncharacteristic spat: slapping someone during an argument.

You've probably heard this 2012p interview with Kairali TV and an ol' story he shared when a big dip in his life occurred when he bashed a man for SLAPPING a fellow film guy. Mohanlal however, did not reveal the name of the person he was defending, sparking speculations that the person in question could be none other than the “Evergreen Hero” of Malayalam cinema, Prem Nazir.

Recounting the conversation, Mohanlal said, “You hit someone only when there’s no other way, right? Even today, if it happens, I will surely do the same. Reflex, isn’t it? This particular star he kept making fun of for two to three hours. The actor said he was lashed to a breaking point.

“Everything has a crest and a zenith, doesn’t it? You can’t go beyond that. At that time, I did it. Even now, that will most likely be my first response if I encounter something similar,” he added.

A quiet Salute to Prem Nazir?

Mohanlal never named Prem Nazir but generations of fans and film industry people claim the remarks were made against the late legend. Mohanlal had a personal rapport with Nazir, who acted in the maximum number of movies and was one of the most loved actors in the Malayalam film industry. The duo appeared in several box office hits such as Padayottam, Sanchari, Aattakalasam and Marakkillorikkalum.

Nazir, the actor whose contribution not only helped script the golden era of Malayalam cinema but also who lent a helping hand to the newcomers such as Mohanlal.

Recent and Upcoming Projects starring Mohanlal

Professionally, Mohanlal was last seen in the thriller drama Thudarum directed by Tharun Moorthy, which was exclusively released on JioCinema. The movie is centered on a father’s revenge for the death of his son. Starring Shobana, Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju and Irshad Ali in the lead roles, the film was lauded for its emotional content and performances.

Next, Mohanlal will be seen in Sathyan Anthikad’s feel-good drama titled Hridayapoorvam, in which he shares the screen space with Malavika Mohanan. He’s also got a number of big projects down the line are Vrusshabha, Ram (the forever-delayed Jeethu Joseph movie), a guest appearance in Vishnu Manchu's Kannappa and a reported guest appearance in Dileep’s Bha Bha Ba.

A Star with Many Shades

This little-known titbit on Mohanlal’s breaking point certainly adds a little more depth to the man behind the immense star power. An acknowledgement that even the most fearsome self-control of the great and the good can be subverted by passion and consciousness.

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In a film career that has lasted more than four decades, Mohanlal has continued to be an unchallenged pillar of Malayalam cinema — not only for his legendary performances, but also for his unwavering regard for his contemporaries, and his rock-solid principles. One second rage, lifetime reverence—that’s the legend of Mohanlal.