Long before Mammootty and Mohanlal defined Malayalam cinema, Madhu was a huge presence, ruling the silver screen during the black and white era and transitioning into diverse, character-driven roles for decades.
Madhu’s retirement from films
In a recent interview with Ginger Media Entertainments, the 92-year-old veteran actor reflected on the pivotal moment that almost marked the end of his acting journey. Madhu revealed that he was initially part of Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Lucifer, a 2019 political action drama directed by Mohanlal. However, before the shoot, the veteran actor fell which injured his face. Madhu informed the team about her situation, saying, “I told them that I cannot start shooting on the scheduled date with that face. They said it was okay.”
While the producers were willing to delay the schedule until his recovery, Madhu decided to opt out. Despite the team’s assurances and flexibility, he interpreted the accident as a sign to retire from acting altogether. For an actor whose career began in the early 1960s and included classics like Chemmeen, this decision felt like a natural break.
Mammootty convinced him to return to work
However, that pause was short-lived, largely thanks to Mammootty. The megastar, who has long been vocal about his admiration for Madhu, personally met the veteran actor and convinced him to return to the screen for the 2021 political drama One. Mammootty offered her the role of a college principal, a character specifically written with Madhu in mind. Recalling that moment, Madhu said, “He was very adamant about playing the role of my character’s guru. He told me that he had seen me in that role along with the director, producer and writer.”
Madhu agreed on one condition that the shooting would take place near his home in Kannammoola, Thiruvananthapuram. The team accepted his request, ensuring his comfort and making his return possible. In One, Madhu appeared as retired professor Vasudev Panikkar, while Mammootty played the role of the Chief Minister of Kerala. Mammootty’s devotion towards Madhu has been evident over the years. In several interviews, he has described Madhu as the only true superstar he has ever seen. Last year, on Madhu’s 92nd birthday, Mammootty had shared a picture with her and fondly called her his “superstar”.
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