Bollywood actor Vidya Balan, who has been receiving high praise from critics for her latest movie Do Aur Do Pyaar, opened up about her admiration for Malayalam cinema and two leading stars in the industry, Mohanlal and Mammootty.
During a recent interview with Samdish Bhatia of Unfiltered by Samdish, the actor was asked to choose between the two stalwarts of the Malayalam movie industry.
She said she watches more of Mohanlal's works because of the comedies he has done, but she also likes the movies of Mammootty.
"I recently watched Kaathal and he is so beautiful in it. I messaged Dulquer (Salmaan) after watching the film and asked him to convey the message to his father," Balan said.
She pointed out that Mammootty not only played the role of a gay man in the movie but also produced Kaathal, which was directed by Jeo Baby.
"For such a big star to act as a gay man… there is no better way to show acceptance and support for the community. Therefore opening the minds of others," she said.
She further said none of the leading actors in Hindi cinema would be able to do such a film. "One we have to accept the fact that it is the more literate audience in Kerala. That makes a big difference....I don’t disagree that Ayushmann Khurrana has done it. He was excellent at it. But maybe, it is easier there (Kerala)."
Praising the cine-goers of Kerala, Balan said the audience in the state is more open to such roles.
"And they revere the actors like nowhere else. They worship their stars and that’s why it is more credible that he went and did that film. He didn’t worry whether it would reflect on his image or anything like that. He is a more secure actor," she observed.