What Priyadarshan told Samuthirakani after Mohanlal’s 'Oppam': 'It’s okay if your next project takes time'

Actor Samuthirakani, who is all set for his next film 'Kaantha', recently opened up about an invaluable advice he received from veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan after their collaboration on the 2016 Malayalam hit 'Oppam'.

'The audience in Kerala will never forget you'

Speaking at the promotional event of Dulquer Salmaan’s upcoming film 'Kaantha' in Kochi, Samuthirakani shared how Priyadarshan’s words continue to influence his choices as an actor and filmmaker.“After Oppam was completed, Priyadarshan sir told me — ‘The audience in Kerala will never forget you. It’s okay if your next project takes time, but never do the wrong kind of films. Always do the right films,’” Samuthirakani recalled, adding that this advice became a moral compass for his cinematic journey.

'I have come now with the right film and a universal language'

Connecting the dots between that advice and his current project, Samuthirakani said that 'Kaantha' represents everything Priyadarshan had once told him about making meaningful cinema. “I have come now with the right film and a universal language. This film (Kaantha) has no language barriers — it’s a timeless poem that will be loved in any language,” he said.

Samuthirakani praises Dulquer Salmaan’s craft and humility

The actor also expressed deep admiration for his Kaantha co-star Dulquer Salmaan, calling him an extraordinary performer.

“While shooting, I usually don’t act during the first take — I just watch him perform. I enjoy observing him so much that the director, Selvamani Selvaraj, would tell me, ‘You’re just watching him again!’ Only after that do I act,” Samuthirakani said with a smile.Praising Dulquer’s dedication and warmth, he added, “Being this close, I could see every shade of emotion in him. Because of his talent, hard work, and the love he shows others, he is bound to reach great heights.”

About 'Oppam'

Mohanlal

starrer 2016 film 'Oppam' marked the comeback of Priyadarshan, who faced several underwhelming movies between the years 2009 and 2014. Samuthirakani played the role of a villain in this thriller, where Mohanlal portrayed a blind man who tries to protect a girl from a psycho killer.