Unni Mukundan looks rather lean these days; in fact, significantly different from his macho physique in Vikramadithyan . Meanwhile, the lean period in his career might just be behind him, it seems. His KL 10 Pathu reaches cinemas today, while Kattum Mazhayum , which, he believes, features his best performance till date, is finally ready for release. In the pipeline are other promising films.
It has been quite the turnaround for the young actor, who had even begun to contemplate an alternative career, when hardly anything seemed to work worked for him after the success of Mallu Singh in 2012.
“My films were doing consistently badly at the box office, though my acting itself was being appreciated. No exciting offers were coming my way. But then came the script of KL 10 Pathu . Director Muhsin Parari, who also wrote the script, wanted to cast me as the hero. But I asked him to wait…” says Unni. “I wanted him to cast me when I was a successful actor and not when I was the star of flops. I had pinned all my hopes on Lal Jose’s Vikramadithyan when I asked him to wait,” he explains.
Thankfully the wait was not in vain. Vikramadithyan became a hit and Unni was back in business. “I owe this second coming to Lal Jose, not just because he cast me in Vikramadithyan , but also because he is producing KL 10 Pathu . Not many people are willing to back a new director,” says Unni.
KL10 Pathu is a feel-good movie, a romantic comedy, in which seven-a-side football plays a significant part. “It has an interesting plot and it is set in Malappuram. I worked hard to get the regional slang right,” he says. Unni had to work even harder on reducing his weight. “I have lost some 20 kg. My looks changed so much that some people could not even recognise me! One man in Kozhikode asked me if I was the younger brother of actor Unni Mukundan,” he says, with a laugh.
There are several other reasons to make him smile these days. Like the new film of Jos Thomas’, for instance. Then there is Style, the shoot of which is in progress at the moment. “It is being directed by Binu S. of Ithihasa -fame. It is a romantic comedy and I play a guy who is in the business of remodelling cars,” he says.
Unni is also excited about starring in Kattum Mazhayum , directed by Harikumar. “I had shot the film quite some time ago and had almost given up hope of it ever coming out when it ran into some production problems. Then, recently, it was back on track. It is a sensitive film and I play a Namboothiri who goes through some tough experiences,” he says, adding that he is at ease with doing supporting roles too. His supporting role in Fireman earlier in the year was well-appreciated.
“I did it as a favour to director Deepu Karunakaran, whom I have known since my days as an assistant director. Looking back, I am glad that I did Fireman, because it felt good to be part of a successful film. Besides, I wanted to act with Mammootty, who has been always been an inspiration. I also hope to share screen space one day with Mohanlal, whom I admire greatly,” says Unni.
