Why Manoj Bajpayee compares Mohanlal and Mammootty to Robert De Niro and Al Pacino

The talk about Mohanlal and Mammootty never really ends. People keep asking who is better. Now Manoj Bajpayee has shared his thoughts on this long talk. He said both are great. But they come from two very different acting styles.

Manoj shared this in an interview with Galatta Plus. 'The Family Man' actor said Mohanlal and Mammootty are like actors from two opposite schools. He compared them to Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Then he gave a global example. He said they are like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

Mohanlal as De Niro

Manoj Bajpayee said Mohanlal is like Robert De Niro. He explained how De Niro understands his character completely. But he also stays open on set. He is ready for last-minute changes.

Manoj said, “Mohanlal sir is somebody who knows his script backwards. I think after that he must be living it, and he is ready with every nuance.”

Manoj felt Mohanlal lives the role once the script is inside him. He reacts naturally. He flows with the scene.

Mammootty as Al Pacino

Manoj then shared his views about Mammootty. He compared him to Al Pacino. He said Pacino prepares a lot before coming to the set. He rehearses deeply.

Manoj called Mammootty a master craftsman. He said, “Mammootty is a true craftsman.”

He also praised Mammootty’s work in the horror film 'Bramayugam' directed by Rahul Sadasivan. Manoj said, “Bramayugam! My goodness! You cannot carry a film if your craft is not of that level.”

He explained that Mammootty’s acting answers all the questions in the film by the end. The details in his performance explain the mystery without words. Manoj ended by saying he has watched both legends for many years. In his younger days, he even worked as a volunteer at film festivals just to watch Malayalam films.

Urvashi’s words on Mohanlal and Mammootty

Actress Urvashi had also shared her opinion earlier in an interview with Ranjini Haridas.

When first asked who she likes to act with, she joked and said, “Mammootty”. Later, she explained her point clearly. She said Mammootty and Jagathy Sreekumar “can play a king and a beggar at the same time.” She felt Mohanlal needs some effort to fit such roles because of his look and screen presence. Still, she added, “Otherwise, he is a great actor.”

Urvashi also praised Mammootty’s command over language. She said, “Mammootty can use any slang with ease,” from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod, and added that “Not everyone can do this.”

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