Entertainment Desk
15 December 2025, 09:22 PM IST
Urvashi explains why Mammootty can portray both a beggar and a king with ease, while Mohanlal faces limitations, revealing the secret behind their distinct acting styles.
Mammootty; Urvashi; Mohanlal | Photos: Mathrubhumi
Veteran actor Urvashi has shared candid and widely discussed observations on Malayalam cinema’s two biggest icons — Mammootty and Mohanlal — saying that while both are indispensable pillars of the industry, Mammootty possesses a versatility that sets him apart in certain roles.
Speaking in an interview with television host Ranjini Haridas, Urvashi responded to a question on whether she preferred Mammootty or Mohanlal as an actor. Her remarks, explaining the distinct strengths of both stars, have since gone viral on social media.
Urvashi stressed that Malayalam cinema cannot survive without either of them, describing the duo as equal pillars holding up the industry.
“Railway tracks cannot exist with just one rail. Nothing stands on a single pillar; two pillars are always needed. That is how they are,” she said.
However, she pointed out that Mammootty excels in adaptability — particularly in dialects and physical transformation — making him believable across a wider range of characters.
“Mammootty has an advantage when it comes to using different slangs and fitting into roles. That is a fact. Both Jagathy Sreekumar and Mammootty can convincingly play a beggar and a king at the same time. Mohanlal cannot do that,” Urvashi remarked.
Explaining further, she said Mohanlal’s physical presence sometimes limits his ability to evoke certain emotions on screen.
“There is a bit of an issue with his physical presence. If he were to sit by the roadside asking, ‘Amma, please give me something’, people would say, ‘You look healthy and well-fed — go work and earn your living’. No one would believe it. It becomes difficult to create sympathy for him,” she explained.
Despite this, Urvashi was clear that Mohanlal remains an exceptional actor.
“Otherwise, he is an extraordinary performer,” she added.
Urvashi also praised Mammootty’s command over language, calling it one of his greatest strengths.
“No matter which dialect Mammootty uses, it comes effortlessly. From Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, he handles the language with ease. That has always been a big plus for him,” she said.
The video of Urvashi’s detailed comparison of the two legends has sparked intense discussion among fans, highlighting the contrasting strengths of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated stars.
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