It’s an actor’s prerogative to decide his or her fee: Mohanlal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Opposing the drive to cut production costs in the Malayalam film industry including actors’ fees, superstar Mohanlal Wednesday said that it was the right of the artistes to decide their remuneration.

“It is an actor’s prerogative to decide his or her remuneration… so let them decide that. I don’t think remuneration is the only reason behind mounting costs of production. There are so many other factors,” Mohanlal told reporters here.

He attended the meet with cast and crew of his latest release “Evidam Swargham Anu”.

Mohanlal, who has been holding the top position in the Malayalam industry for past three decades along with Mammootty, gave credit to the audiences for his success.

“I’m really honoured that I have been able to have a good run in the industry all these years. I thank god and my audiences have made it possible,” he said.

He is not supporting the proposed reform that will ensure that Malayalam films’ budget do not cross the Rs.3.50 crore mark.

“My latest film has been shot at three different places and it took us five months to build a farm house. We planted greenery to make sure it looks like a real farm house. We could have erected a set with a few cows and ducks, but we wanted more perfection. Our efforts paid, as the film has turned out to be a visual treat,” said Mohanlal.

His latest film, that stars 105 actors, is about land grab.

The superstar also suggested that to earn profits, screening of other language films should be allowed in the state.

He is pinning hopes on the new lot of directors to change the fate of the industry.

“One good thing that is happening here is that a revolution is slowly taking place with a lot of new brilliant directors gaining ground. If we have good stories, scripts, then there should be no problem,” he added.

“Evidam Swargham Anu” director Roshan Andrews said that he loves the actor in Mohanlal and that’s why he is forced to cast him again and again.

“My first film was ‘Udayan Anu Tharam’ and it had Mohanlal, but my second film was full of new faces and this is my third film. I just love to work with Mohanlal and I will do more films with him if I have the right script for him,” he said.