How a superstar was born: Kingmaker Thampy Kannanthanam & his great gamble

Mohanlal became a superstar in Malayalam cinema at 2.30 pm on July 17, 1986. The release of Thampy Kannanthanam's 'Rajavinte Makan' was a turning point in the versatile actor's career. Mohanlal turned a superstar after the first show of the first day, Kannanthanam used to say.

Kannanthanam counts 'Rajavinte Makan' as his favourite movie, like many Malayalis who grew up in the 1980s. The movie was a great gamble for the director, who was reeling under the failure of three of his previous works – 'Aa Neram Alpa Dooram' in 1985, 'Passport' in 1982 and 'Thavalam' in 1981.

He realised that he had to up his game. He knew he was not lacking in craft. He wanted a solid storyline for his next movie. Enter Dennis Joseph, the most prolific screenwriter of the time.

The director and the writer went through several brainstorming sessions, until they zeroed in on the story of a don with a negative touch. Kannanthanam could not think of anyone else to essay the role but Mohanlal.

Hero or villain?

A dependable producer was hard to come by. The director had a reputation of presenting three back-to-back flops. The actor was of little star value. To top it all, the protagonist, the 'hero', was more of a villain by the movie-watching patterns of the time.

Kannanthanam, however, put faith in the story, the actor and himself. He went on with the project, deciding to produce it himself. “I knew Mohanlal was capable of doing it,” Kannanthanam said later.

Mohanlal was paired with Ambika, who was a much bigger star in south Indian cinemas. She had presented many a hit with Kamal Haasan. Ambika's mother put the actor's remuneration at Rs 1.25 lakh. As the shooting progressed, Ambika told Kannanthanam that she was ready to work for just Rs 1 lakh.

Mohanlal would not quote his price. Kannanthanam paid him Rs 1 lakh, the same as that of the leading lady. From the next movie, Mohanlal's price shot up tenfold.

'Rajavinte Makan' became a superhit. Many of its catchy dialogues found their way to everyday conversations. Some of them are flaunted with great effect even in this day of social media.

Screenwriter Joseph initially named the move, 'Maharajavinte Makan', The first-look poster was planned with that title over the picture of a two-year-old boy sitting on a grand throne. Kannanthanam changed the title to 'Rajavinte Makan'.

The first copy was ready at a cost of Rs 14 lakh. The total cost was Rs 40 lakh, including publicity and distribution. The movie grossed up to Rs 85 lakh even though the ticket prices were nominal in those days.

The shooting was completed in 32 days. Most of the shooting was in Ernakulam. The movie was a trendsetter because it made negative roles acceptable in the lead. Kannanthanam said that he could let the character die because Mohanlal was not a star yet.

Kannanthanam's previous movie had a tragic end too when the character played by Mammootty died. “Back then, we had no stars, only actors,” Kannanthanam said. “Any character was free to do anything,” he added.

Kannanthanam's association with Mohanlal goes back a long time. He knew Mohanlal even when he was working as an associate director for Sasi Kumar. They even shared screen space for 'Madrasile Mon'. (Kannanthanam also appeared on screen with Mohanlal for later movies such as 'Nirnayam' and 'Dasharatham'.)

The gunslinger

The climax of 'Rajavinte Makan' was challenging for the crew. The protagonist had to jump out of a screeching car and gun down a crowd of policemen and politicians as he fought his way to his nemesis. “Malayalam cinema did not have the facility to shoot such a scene. We got the fake machine gun made to order by an expert in Chennai,” Kannanthanam said.

The scene was shot at a guest house at Ambalamugal near Ernakulam. The policemen had to shoot back at the attacker. They were not real bullets but one of them grazed Mohanlal's neck. The actor neglected the burn and continued with his work, Kannanthanam said.

He directed Mohanlal for a host of movies including 'Vazhiyorakkazhchakal', 'Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar', 'Nadodi', 'Maanthrikam' and 'Onnaman'.