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Mammootty, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan\u00a0<\/p>\nEntertainment Desk<\/p>\n
21 August 2025, 10:17 AM IST<\/p>\n
Rajiv Menon reveals casting challenges for Mammootty`s Major Bala in Kandukondain Kandukondain.<\/p>\n
Mammootty, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan\u00a0<\/p>\n
R<\/strong>eleased in 2000, \u2018Kandukondain Kandukondain\u2019 remains a standout in modern Tamil cinema, celebrated for its romantic musical drama and memorable performances. Directed by Rajiv Menon, the film starred Mammootty, Aishwarya Rai, Tabu, Ajith Kumar and Abbas in central roles, winning widespread acclaim from audiences.<\/p>\n The soundtrack, composed by AR Rahman, has also endured as a fan favourite, continuing to resonate with music lovers more than two decades later. Recently, director Rajiv Menon opened up about the casting stories behind the film.<\/p>\n In an interview with Sudhir Srinivasan, the veteran cinematographer-turned-filmmaker admitted that the most challenging casting choice was for the character of Major Bala, played by Mammootty. Menon revealed that during the casting process, he had approached several leading actors before finally offering the role to Mammootty.<\/p>\n Major Bala, who silently loves Aishwarya Rai\u2019s character Meenakshi from a distance, remains one of the most admired roles in Tamil cinema. The character, who stands as a pillar of support for the heroine through her struggles, is today often referred to on social media as the ultimate \u2018green flag\u2019 hero. However, Rajiv Menon recalled that many leading stars at the time were uninterested in the role.<\/p>\n \u201cThe beauty of that character is that he is an alcoholic and a war veteran who lost a leg. But back then, some leading actors rejected the role, openly saying they did not want to play a man with one leg. Mammootty, on the other hand, never once considered it a drawback,\u201d Menon revealed.<\/p>\n The director also shared a light-hearted memory from the set: \u201cMajor Bala had lost his right leg in the war. So Mammootty decided he should lean to the right while walking. But sometimes during the shoot, he would forget. One day, I noticed he was leaning to the left instead. My assistant director wasn\u2019t sure whether to point it out or not. Then Mammootty himself would ask, \u2018Am I supposed to lean to the right or the left?\u2019 It became one of the funniest moments on set,\u201d Rajiv Menon recalled with a laugh.<\/p>\n