Biju Menon was almost the hero in 'Keerthichakra'; Major Ravi recalls Mohanlal’s entry; REVEALS bad experience

Major Ravi’s 'Keerthichakra' is remembered as a landmark film in Malayalam cinema, largely because of Mohanlal’s unforgettable performance as Major Mahadevan. But in a candid recollection, the filmmaker revealed that the role was originally meant for actor Biju Menon.Speaking to The New Indian Express, Major Ravi recalled how the project took an unexpected turn when Biju brought in a group of producers from America to discuss the script. Instead of focusing on the story, however, the meeting turned into a gambling session. “Biju picked up a bundle of ten-thousand-rupee notes and handed it over to them — for gambling. I sat quietly in a corner, holding the script of Keerthichakra in my hand,” Ravi said.

Script left idle for two years

Major Ravi recounted that as he began narrating the script, the supposed producers were more interested in the card game than the film. Realizing their intentions, Major Ravi stopped narrating, closed his script, and left the meeting. He even warned Biju that the men weren’t serious about making movies. With that, the project was shelved, and the script sat untouched at Major Ravi’s home for more than two years. The filmmaker admitted he felt disheartened, unsure if the story would ever come to life.

How Mohanlal came on board

It was only later that Major Ravi decided to approach Mohanlal with the story. “One day, I thought to myself — why not narrate it to Mohanlal? I dusted off the script, went to Kanhangad from Madras, and narrated it to him. Immediately, I got his dates,” he recalled. Despite initial worries about how he would shoot the film, Major Ravi trusted his instincts and went ahead. The film’s unique editing and execution ensured that its unconventional filming style remained invisible to audiences.'Keerthichakra' went on to become a massive success, and it's surely the best film from Major Ravi's filmography.