Mohanlal had no idea what the plot was or what his character was when he teamed up with director Sathyan Anthikad for Hridayapoorvam, which releases on August 28, 2025. The last film the two had worked together was Ennum epozhum in 2015. However, such is the actor’s faith in the director that he agreed to do the film without a second thought.
Nevertheless, during a private film awards show, Mohanlal couldn’t resist asking the director to give him a glimpse of his character in the Sandeep Balakrishnan film. Sathyan recalls, “There was a music and dance show on stage. Even though we were sitting next to each other, it was difficult to talk. However, Lal wanted to get an idea of the story, and so I told him the gist of the story in his ear. He smiled, it was clear that he liked it. ‘ Hridayapoorvam would be a good title for this film?’ I immediately agreed. That’s how Mohanlal christened the film. ”
Decades apart, Sandeep Balakrishnan and TP Balagopalan, the latter role fetching him his first Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor in TP Balagopalan’s MA (1986). However, Sathyan Antikad, who directed both films, insists that he remains impressed by the actor’s ability to effortlessly slip into the skin of his character and his dedication.
Surprised by Mohanlal’s effortless ease
“Lal’s ability to make his acting so effortless continues to amaze me. If one were to look at him in front of the camera, it’s easy to fool oneself into thinking that acting is the easiest thing in the world. Moreover, his work is his enthusiasm and passion for cinema,” says Sathyan. The filmmaker emphasizes that Mohanlal approached both Balagopalan and Sandeep with the same sincerity.
Malavika Mohanan Hridayapoorvam.
| Photo: Aashirvad Cinemas/YouTube
Pointing out that Mohanlal has been in the film industry for over 47 years, Sathyan says that at one point some people might feel shocked by the similarity in work because “working in cinema is both work and enjoyment. For actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty, the zeal for their work and acting go hand in hand.”
“I remember Fazil telling me that during the shooting of Manichitrathazhu , there was one particular scene where he felt there was a lag in the dialogue delivery and asked Mohanlal for a repeater. The actor immediately agreed. When Fazil explained the reason why he wanted a repeat, Lal told him that he didn’t realise there was a lag as he just recalled that the director announced ‘action’ and then ‘cut’. That’s the actor Lal is. He may be joking and fooling around, but the minute the director calls ‘action’, he becomes the hero. When Fazil took another look at the scene, it was brilliantly acted by Lal!” Sathyan relates.
Sathyan Anthikad with Malavika Mohanan and Sangeeth Prathap on the sets of the film. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
He adds that Hridayapoorvam Sandeep is unlike any of the big-budget heroes that Mohanlal has played in several films before. “This is the Mohanlal that family audiences love to watch on screen. This is the kind of character that has endeared the actor to the audience; the common man and his world of small joys and challenges. He is doing this role after quite a long gap. Also, this is Mohanlal’s first film to be shot in sync with the latest technology,” adds the director.
The director doesn’t want family-oriented films to be his forte. “The only thriller I’ve directed is Pingami Apvidoo. It didn’t make a splash in the theatres, but now it’s become a popular watch. I still believe that there is still an audience for family-oriented films.”
Viral movie trailer
Meanwhile, the film’s teaser, with a dialogue about FAFA (Fahadh Faasil) and a light-hearted discussion about who is the better actor, has gone viral. “Initially, I, even though I am, was a little over the top. But my elder son Arun watched it and said it was perfect for the film.
Also Read: ‘Hridayapoorvam’ teaser: Mohanlal charms Sathyan Anthikad in upcoming drama, meets Fahadh Faasil Superfan
The film is being co-directed by Sathyan’s son Akhil Sathyan and his twin, Anoop Sathyan. “It’s all in the family,” laughs Sathyan. The dialogues and screenplay are by debutant Sonu TP. The director got in touch with Sonu after watching the short film, Night Call (2022).
It is reported that when he meets the donor’s family, the story is of Pune and Kochi, the story of a heart transplant recipient and his journey.
Sangeeth Prathap and Mohanlal Hridayapoorvam Area | Photo: Aashirvad Cinemas/YouTube
The filmmaker believes that the USP of the film is the delightful teamwork of two generations of actors. Sangeeta, Siddique, Lalu Alex, Janardhanan and Baburaj along with Malavika Mohanan, Sangeeth Pratap, Nishan are some of the actors in the film.
“I feel Sangeeta is an actor who should be seen more in Malayalam films,” quips the director. Meera Jasmine and Basil Joseph make cameo appearances. Justin Prabhakaran is the music director and Anu Moothedath is the cinematographer.
Apart from the title of the film, the actor’s handwritten title has been used for the film. “Though the artist showed us a few sketches, I wasn’t impressed with any of them. That’s when I asked Lal to write Hridayapoorvam in his hand, and that’s what we decided to use,” explains the director.
The film’s director adds that this is a good film, suitable for the Onam festive season. “It’s a film I would like to watch with my family during the festival season.”
Hridayapoorvam releases in theaters on August 28th
Published – August 26, 2025 06:22 PM IST
