Rajiv Menon’s 2000 Romantic Drama Kandukondain Kandukondain, Starring Mammootty, Aishwarya Rai, Tabu, Ajith Kumar, and Abbas, Remains One of the Most Celebrated Tamil Films of Its Time. While the Ar Rahman Soundtrack Became An Instant Classic, The Film also Won Acclaim for its Layred Performances. Recently, Director Rajiv Menon Opened Up About The Casting of Mammoty as Major Bala, One of the Film’s Most Memorable Characters.
Finding the right actor for Major Bala
In a conversation with Sudhir Srinivasan, Rajiv Menon Revealed that Toughest Casting Decision was for the Role of Major Bala, a war veteran with a tragic past. “The beauty of that character is that he is an alcoholic and a war veteran who lost a leg. But back then, some leading actors rejected the role, open saying that they did not want to write one leg,” Recalled.Eventually, The Role Went to Mammoty, Who, Rajiv Said, “Never Once Considered It a Drawback.” In the film, Major Bala’s Quiet and Unspocen Love for Aishwarya Rai’s Meenakshi Gave the Character Immense Emotional Depth.
Mammootty’s quirky on-set preparation
Rajiv menon also shared a light-hearted memory from the shoot. Since Major Bala Had Lost His Right Leg in the War, Mammootty Decided He Should Lean to the Right Who Walking. “But someimes during the shoot, he would forget. Ask, ‘Am I Supposed to Lean to the right or the left?’ “The director laughed, adding that it is one of the funniest mothers on set.
