Why Parvathy Thiruvothu Says Mohanlal and Mammootty Are True Legends — And It Has Nothing to Do With Box Office

There are superstars, and then there are legends. In a candid exclusive with Pinkvilla, National Award-winning actress Parvathy Thiruvothu drew a very clear line between the two — and her reasoning is something every film lover needs to hear

What Parvathy Said About Mohanlal and Mammootty

Parvathy recalled working with Mohanlal when she was just 19 years old, nearly 20 years ago. She was struck by how he maintained his presence of mind as an actor, a quality she said she aspired to and is now proud to possess herself after two decades in the industry.

But it wasn’t just the craft that left an impression. Parvathy said she believes these actors are called legends because of how they carry themselves as human beings on set — walking in and making it a better place for everyone around them.

Her words on Mammootty were equally powerful. She described the gravitas both superstars bring when they walk on set — how everyone goes silent — but added that the truly great thing is how, once the camera rolls, they allow nothing to get in the way of their craft. She said that in front of the camera, even a newcomer is their equal.

It’s a refreshingly grounded take in an industry where star power often overshadows the art of acting itself.

The Films That Shaped These Memories

Parvathy acted alongside Mohanlal in the psychological crime thriller Flash, directed by Sibi Malayil, and appeared with Mammootty in Puzhu, directed by Ratheena, released in 2022.

Both films are considered high points in Malayalam cinema’s recent history. You can read more about the Malayalam film industry’s legacy on Wikipedia.

Why This Matters Beyond the Interview?

This isn’t just an actress praising her co-stars. Parvathy’s perspective cuts to the heart of what separates a megastar from a true legend — humility, professionalism, and a genuine respect for the craft and the people sharing the set.

She emphasized that it has nothing to do with box office numbers — a horrible person on set can never truly be called a legend, no matter how big their films are.

In an era of inflated star egos and increasingly transactional filmmaking, that’s a statement worth paying attention to.

Check out our coverage of the best Mammootty films to watch on OTT right now and our top Mohanlal performances ranked for more Malayalam cinema content.

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