Film enthusiasts and fans of Malaikottai Vaaliban, Mohanlal, and Lijo Jose Pellissery are drawing references in the period drama that released on January 25. In the meantime, screenwriter P S Rafeeque for the movie stated in an interview with The Cue that Mohanlal's Vaaliban shares a few minor traits with mythological figures like Bhima and Karnan.

“At some point in our lives, we have read about these heroes or heard stories about them. In the midst of the win-or-lose struggle, they have this weak side of themselves,” he said. The lyricist and writer went on to say that, similar to Malaikottai Vaaliban, all of these heroes suffer within while they fight to win every battle.

When discussing writing for such a huge project, Rafeeque complimented director Lijo Jose Pellissery's skill as a filmmaker. "He is very particular about screenplay clarity, paying close attention to even the smallest details in a story," he said.

He continued by saying that no movie's box office performance can be predicted and that he does acknowledge that every viewer has different tastes. But Malaikottai Vaaliban is undoubtedly another landmark film in Indian cinema history. Many young people who are open to different genres were pleased with the movie, he added.

Rafeeque also referred to film reviews as a different kind of writing, and he never stops reading them, positive or negative. He also discussed the other allusions in this movie made to some exceptional artistes. One song in Malaikottai Vaaliban, for example, pays homage to the Hindi film classic Sholay.

He added that because of Mohanlal's physique and subtle acting, he is the only Malayalam actor who is suitable for the role of Vaaliban. "He gives the movie a sufficient level of mass appeal given its plot. He is an expert at carefully delivering dialogue that sounds dramatic without going overboard,” Rafeeque continued. He went on to say that he was lucky enough to see Mohanlal's acting prowess up close while Malaikottai Vaaliban was being filmed.

Read Also: i am proud of rajinikanth sir for doing a film like lal salaam, praises vishnu vishal