Veteran Malayalam writer recollects Toxic director Geetu Mohandas’ as child artiste in Mohanlal film: ‘She was the best technician’

Malayalam director-writer Reghunath Paleri, who helmed Onnu Muthal Poojaym Vare, recounts he was highly impressed with Geetu’s observation skills in the film, calling her ‘the best technician’.

Geetu Mohandas, with Mohanlal in Onnu Muthal Poojaym Vare

Toxic director Geetu Mohandas has been facing some really harsh trolls after the teaser from the Yash-starrer was released last week. Most of the netizens are appalled that the director of National Award-winning films such as Liar’s Dice made the Toxic teaser, even as another (smaller) section is also backing her. But did you know that Geetu Mohandas first started out as a child artiste in south films, such as Onnu Muthal Poojaym Vare which featured superstar Mohanlal in a special appearance. Veteran Malayalam director-writer Reghunath Paleri, who helmed the 1986 film, recounts that he was highly impressed with little Geetu’s performance and observation skills in the film, calling her ‘the best technician’.

What did Reghunath Paleri say about Geetu Mohandas

Veteran Malayalam director-writer Reghunath Paleri was recently seen in the hit films of Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra and Sarvam Maya, appearing in short roles. The veteran, who penned several hit films, marked his directorial debut with Onnu Muthal Poojaym Vare, which also featured actor-director Geetu Mohandas as a child artiste with Mohanlal making a special appearance. Reghunath Paleri recounted his shooting experience on the 1986 film during an interview with True Copy Think YouTube channel.

"She was only 3.5 or 4 years old then. She was so expressive. I felt that she was the best technician in that group then. She used to grasp everything so quickly. How can a 3.5-year-old child conceive (ideas like) the father has died? I used to sit at her level while communicating with her and I could see the change in her eyes. I used to tell that she would become a good technician in the future. She has extraordinary observation skills,” recounted Paleri.

The film Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare revolves around a woman Aleena and her daughter Deepamol. After her father’s death, Deepamol get close to a stranger over phone. Mohanlal lent his voice for the stranger and only makes an appearance at the end.

Also read: Toxic Birthday Peek: Director Geetu Mohandas called out for objectification of women in glimpse from Yash's film

Paleri went on to further say that even Asha Jayaram, who played the mother, was not able to stand in the correct position during the performance, but the kid got it right after couple of shots.

Geetu Mohandas went on to win the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artiste for her touching performance.

Geetu Mohandas FAQs

Q. How many movies were directed by Geethu Mohandas?

A. Geetu Mohandas has directed three films, including Liar’s Dice, Moothon and the upcoming Toxic, and a short film, Kelkkunnundo.

Q. Is Geetu Mohandas a good director?

A. Geetu Mohandas is considered to be a good director. Her films Liar’s Dice and Moothon have critical acclaim and awards.

Q. Where to watch Geetu Mohandas’ Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare?

A. You can watch Geetu Mohandas and Mohanlal’s Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare on Sun NXT via OTTplay Premium.

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