In a refreshingly humble moment ahead of his much-awaited political thriller Prathichaya, Nivin Pauly was asked about audience comparisons between him and the legendary Mohanlal — one of Indian cinema’s most decorated actors. His response? Pure class.
What Did Nivin Pauly Say?
Nivin Pauly dismissed any comparisons between him and Mohanlal, saying that Lalettan is unparalleled and that he himself follows the guidance of his directors and acts in a relaxed manner, taking a few days on set to understand the director’s vision before aligning his performance accordingly. IMDb
That kind of grounded self-awareness is exactly what makes Nivin one of the most beloved actors of his generation. He’s not chasing legacy — he’s carving his own. Stay updated on all the latest Malayalam film news at TechnoSports.
Nivin Pauly vs Mohanlal — What’s Next?
| Nivin Pauly | Mohanlal | |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Next Film | Prathichaya (Released March 26, 2026) | Drishyam 3 (May 21, 2026) |
| Genre | Political Thriller | Crime Drama |
| Director | Unnikrishnan B | Jeethu Joseph |
| Upcoming Projects | Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, Dear Students, Benz | L366 (Tharun Moorthy), Jailer 2 cameo |
All About Prathichaya
Prathichaya follows the story of a brilliant tech entrepreneur-turned-strategist and son of the Kerala Chief Minister, whose life takes a dramatic turn when his father dies as a result of a dangerous conspiracy orchestrated by a ruthless media tycoon. As the opposition attempts to exploit the situation, he uses his wit and skills to defend his father’s legacy and uncover the truth. IMDb
It sounds like exactly the kind of taut, intelligent thriller that Malayalam cinema does so brilliantly. The film also features Sharaf U Dheen, Balachandra Menon, Ann Augustine, Sai Kumar, and others in key roles, with music and background score by Justin Varghese and cinematography by Chandru Selvaraj. IMDb For more on upcoming Malayalam releases, head to TechnoSports.
Mohanlal’s Big 2026 Plans
Mohanlal is next set to appear in Drishyam 3, directed by Jeethu Joseph — initially slated for April 2, 2026, but later postponed to May 21, 2026, coinciding with Lalettan’s birthday. He is also currently filming a project tentatively titled L366, directed by Tharun Moorthy, and is expected to make cameo appearances in Jailer 2, Khalifa: Part 1, and more. IMDb
Malayalam cinema truly is spoiling its fans in 2026 — both these giants have big films lined up back to back.
