The Mohanlal Biopic
Yet the most outlandish of theories regarding Malaikottai Vaaliban is one that applies a meta-reading of the film, almost like how it is Mohanlal’s biography. If you squint, it’s not too hard to be able to see bits of Mohanlal, the giant Superstar, in Vaaliban. In terms of his role as an actor, he remains undefeated, just like how Vaaliban remains the undisputed fighter. The movie adds characteristics to Vaaliban we too have come to associate with the Myth of Mohanlal, including his love for a drink or two or his philosophy that upholds a level of detachment in all relationships. In Chinnapayyan, we see a bit of ourselves, the loyal fanboy and younger brother, who have looked up to Lalettan as someone who is more than just any other superstar. Like Chinnapayyan, we too announce his might and prowess, even before the films get to do it. We sing paeans about his previous battles and his records that remain enviable for anyone.
And in Aashaan (Hareesh Peradi), Vaaliban’s guide and charioteer, we see Mohanlal’s entourage and business partners, who seem to be in some sort of a disconnect with his fans. There is much that is lost in translation and as fans, we no longer understand the gap between the Mohanlal that was and the Mohanlal that is. When rival fans get to see their superstar reinvent every two months or so, we feel stuck somewhere in the middle, between the past and the present.