Priyadarshan's 100th film: Veteran Director confirms it will only be with Mohanlal; says, 'What I am today is because of him'

Director Priyadarshan has already announced that his 100th film will be with Malayalam Star Mohanlal, who was recently honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Recently, the 'Oppam' director shared that he cannot imagine crossing such a milestone without the superstar who shaped his career.

During a conversation with Pinkvilla, the 68-year-old director recalled how their journey began as childhood friends and grew into a legendary professional partnership. "There's no plan, but one thing that I want to tell you is my 100th film is definitely going to be with Mohanlal, because what I am today is all because of him," he said.

Mohanlal's role in Priyadarshan's success

The director mentioned that while their friendship dates back to their youth, it was Mohanlal's rise as a superstar that helped him establish himself in the industry. He said, "If he had not become a superstar, I would have not… He really encouraged me in making films and supported my career. Maybe we grew up as childhood friends, but he's still a star… I mean, he has so many options because it’s his life too, but we mutually did good to each other."

Could be a cinematic record

Priyadarshan also explained why the idea of starting and completing his century of films with Mohanlal holds a special place. Their first collaboration was the 1984 screwball comedy 'Poochakkoru Mookkuthi', which became a landmark in Malayalam cinema. "For my 100th film, I cannot think of anybody else because he said one thing: if it ever happens, it will be a record. First film was with him, 100th will be too. It has never happened in the world with any actor and director. It will be a record, we can make it and forget… it will never be broken," Priyadarshan said.

Upcoming projects

Currently, Priyadarshan is busy with his Bollywood outing 'Haiwaan', starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Mohanlal, meanwhile, is working on 'Patriot' alongside Mammootty and Fahadh Faasil, Jeethu Joseph's 'Drishyam 3' and 'Ram', as well as Nanda Kishore's 'Vrusshabha'.