It’s real action time for Mohanlal in Territorial Army

KANNUR - Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who joined the Territorial Army (TA) last year, will indulge in real action for the next three days without his customary grease paint while undergoing his post-commission training at the 122 TA Battalion here.

Speaking to IANS, Col. Davidson Kolathu, who is commanding the TA battalion here, said that Mohanlal is expected to arrive any time now (Thursday) and would be with them till March 28.

“Lt. Col Mohanlal will be involved in all sorts of training which includes weapon drill and handling, field craft, night firing, and etiquettes besides knowing what the task of a TA brand ambassador is,” said Kolathu.

The superstar earned himself an honorary commission last year after it was cleared at the highest level by the supreme commander of the armed forces, the President of India.

According to rules, those joining the Territorial Army should be under 42 years, but for honorary-commission officers the training is not mandatory and also there is a relaxation in age.

“His presence in our unit for the next few days is certainly going to be a morale booster for my boys. While four companies of our battalion are in Jammu and Kashmir, right now we have two companies here. Why not, he will also visit our boys doing duty in J&K in due course,” said Kolathu.

Mohanlal became interested in wearing the uniform after his first major role as an army officer in the 2006 movie “Keerthi Chakra” directed by Major Ravi, a former commando with the National Security Guard (NSG).

Then in 2008 came another blockbuster of the superstar “Kurukshetra”, again directed by Ravi. It was about the Kargil war.

After the movie, the superstar decided to get an honorary commission.

Thursday night the superstar will be joining the unit members here for a dinner and a civic reception would also be held before he leaves here.

All eyes are now set on critic Sukumar Azhikode who for the past one month has been lashing out at the superstar and went to the extent of asking Defence Minister A.K. Antony to come out with an explanation as to why Mohanlal was endorsing a jewellery shop.