When Mohanlal reacted to Akshay Kumar remaking his Malayalam hits, “You cannot compare actors”

Some of Akshay Kumar’s biggest commercial successes, including ‘Garam Masala’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa,’ were Hindi remakes of Mohanlal’s iconic Malayalam films from the 1990s. Notably, both the originals and the Hindi versions were helmed by filmmaker Priyadarshan, a long-time collaborator of Mohanlal.Earlier at the trailer launch of his directorial debut, ‘Barroz,’ Malayalam superstar Mohanlal candidly addressed the long-standing conversation around Akshay Kumar starring in Hindi remakes of several of his iconic Malayalam films. Far from being possessive or critical, Mohanlal expressed deep admiration for Akshay and called the films “totally different” in nature, emphasizing that comparisons between actors are unfair.

“You cannot compare actors,” says Mohanlal

Speaking about Akshay Kumar's association with Hindi remakes of his Malayalam hits, Mohanlal said, “Most of my films were remade into Hindi. And Akshay ji has done it. You cannot compare actors. This is totally different. Even the costume, character, and body language—everything will be different.”He went on to praise Akshay as a performer, stating, “I love his films. He’s a brilliant actor. He’s very punctual. He loves his profession.

He’s a 100% professional actor. I’m not that professional.”

Akshay Kumar’s long association with Priyadarshan and Mohanlal films

At the same event, Akshay reciprocated the admiration, calling Mohanlal a legend. “Like anyone else, I am also a huge fan of Mohanlal sir. I have seen many of his films. In your first film, you were a villain in 1980. I remember that film. And then ‘Chithram,’ which was directed by our friend Priyadarshan sahab,” he said.Work frontOn the work front, Mohanlal made his massive comeback after a series of underwhelming films by teaming up with Tharun Moorthy for the mystery drama film ‘Thudarum.’ Akshay Kumar has the most awaited ‘Housefull 5’ releasing on June 6.