Kochi: The friendship between Mohanlal and Sreenivasan is not merely a chapter in Malayalam cinema it is an emotion etched deep into the collective memory of Keralites. Spanning decades, their bond has grown beyond the screen, shaped by shared journeys, struggles, and an unspoken understanding that words often fail to capture.
When Sreenivasan fell seriously ill, Mohanlal struggled to describe the pain he felt. “I wouldn’t say Sreenivasan is sick,” the actor once said. “When the body reaches a certain stage, a deep sadness settles in. I don’t even know how to name that sadness.” It was a moment that revealed not a superstar speaking, but a friend grappling with fear and helplessness, placing his faith in prayer.
That emotion resurfaced powerfully at the Amma–Mazhavillu show when Sreenivasan appeared in public. Mohanlal held him close, kissed him gently on the cheek, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Those trembling hands, tear-filled eyes, and the silent embrace spoke louder than any dialogue they have ever shared on screen. For many watching, it was a reminder that their connection is far deeper than cinema.
Their friendship has also weathered moments of misunderstanding. At one point, a remark made by Sreenivasan in an interview sparked widespread discussion. Later, his son Dhyan admitted that the comment should never have been made. On the sets of Hrudayapoorva, Sreenivasan personally apologised to Mohanlal. Mohanlal’s response was simple and telling there was no hurt to hold on to, no grievance worth remembering. With a quiet “let it all go,” the matter ended, just as only true friendships can.
Sreenivasan’s journey in cinema began in 1977 with P. A. Bakkar’s Manimuzhakam. He went on to work with acclaimed filmmakers such as Bakkar, G. Aravindan, and K. G. George, delivering memorable performances in films like Panchavadipalam and Vilkanundu Swapnangal. Alongside acting, he carved a formidable space as a screenwriter, beginning with Poochakkoru Mookuthi.
His collaborations with directors like Priyadarshan, Sathyan Anthikad, and Kamal redefined humour in Malayalam cinema. Through comedy, Sreenivasan explored the ironies, struggles, and quiet truths of everyday life. Even when family relationships formed the core of his stories, social realities and sharp observations were seamlessly woven in, giving his films both warmth and depth.
The last screenplay he penned was Njan Prakashan, directed by Sathyan Anthikad and released in December 2018 a fitting addition to a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences.
In an industry often driven by change, the relationship between Mohanlal and Sreenivasan stands as something rare and enduring. Their embrace was not just a moment on stage it was a testament to friendship, gratitude, forgiveness, and love that time, illness, and misunderstanding could never erase.