Adoor Gopalakrishnan calls Mammootty 'an exception' as they reunite for Padayaatra

At India Today Conclave South 2026, Adoor Gopalakrishnan said Mammootty is the only actor he has repeatedly cast, as they reunite for Padayaatra. The film marks their fourth collaboration, Adoor's return to feature filmmaking after a decade, and their first reunion in 32 years.

In Short

• Adoor said he usually avoids repeating actors in his limited filmography
• He revealed Mammootty offered to produce Padayaatra once he heard
• The director said the role suits Mammootty and no one else

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan said that Malayalam superstar Mammootty remains the only actor he has repeatedly collaborated with, with their fourth film together, Padayaatra, marking his return to feature filmmaking after a decade. Adoor was speaking at the India Today Conclave South in Kochi on Wednesday, where he chaired a session titled ‘Master's touch: The transforming power of cinema’.

During the session, he spoke about Padayaatra, his collaboration with Mammootty and what makes the actor an exception to his usual practice of not repeating performers.

Mammootty is Adoor's only exception

Adoor said he has made only 13 films, including Padayaatra, and has generally avoided repeating actors across his projects. Mammootty, however, has been the sole exception, with the two collaborating for the fourth time. "I have made few films, only 13, including Padayaatra. I don't usually repeat actors in my films. Mammootty is the only exception – this is our fourth one. He's an exception in every way,” Adoor said.

According to the filmmaker, Mammootty also wanted to produce Padayaatra after learning that Adoor was making the film.

“When he found out I was making a film, he said he'd like to produce the film. I was very happy. He told me, 'whatever you want, you ask me, it'll be given'. He has a role that's perfect for him. I cannot think of anyone else,” he said.

Mammootty never quoted a big prize

Adoor also recalled his experience of working with a younger Mammootty and said the actor had always understood the financial constraints of his films. According to him, Mammootty's remuneration was aligned with the budget rather than his status as a star.

“Mammootty is not the same actor I worked with him in the first film. At that time, he was a bigger star then, but never quoted a big price. He knew he'd be paid, but according to the budget only,” he said.

Their first collaboration was Anantaram in 1987, followed by Mathilukal in 1990 and Vidheyan in 1994. The films went on to become important collaborations in Mammootty's career, with Mathilukal earning him his first National Award and Vidheyan bringing him his second Best Actor National Award.

About Padayaatra

The one-minute-14-second trailer of Padayaatra introduces Mammootty as a doctor whose quiet life takes an unsettling turn after a suspected Maoist attack puts him under police scrutiny. The trailer hints at a story involving power, suspicion and the compromises people make when the world around them changes.

Padayaatra promises a slow-burn drama where the tension comes not from spectacle but from the growing suspicion surrounding its central character. And with Mammootty and Adoor Gopalakrishnan returning after 32 years, the reunion itself is reason enough to pay attention.

- Ends