A dialogue that changed his life: Remembering Kottayam Pradeep

“Karimeen undu, mutton undu, fish undu…” that’s how Kottayam Pradeep will always be remembered on screen. He says that dialogue in such a teasing, rhythmic way that it instantly makes you smile. Though Pradeep hasn’t really acted in a lot of films, his dialogue delivery, local slang, and comic timing were always a hit in Malayalam cinema.

It is unfortunate that Pradeep’s innings in cinema came to an abrupt halt more so as he came to the cinema much later in life. The actor who has done over 70 films was always a witty and entertaining presence in Malayalam cinema. If Pradeep is there, rest assured laughs will follow. Never mind the length of the role, he made them impactful on screen.

Though he made his debut in the 2001 film, ‘Ee Nadu Innale Vare’, it took nearly 10 years for the actor to get noticed. Gautham Menon’s ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ (2010) was a big break for the actor. He played Trisha’s uncle and his dialogue “Karimeen undu, mutton undu, fish undu” became an instant hit and made him a household name in cinema. It is said that Pradeep auditioned for this film without any hope. His only aim was to meet Gautham Menon. But then he was selected, and that dialogue become an instant hit.

Gautham asked him to try a different style. He made it very impromptu and unique. When that clicked, Pradeep’s life turned around. Pradeep has often admitted in most interviews how that one dialogue in ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaya’ changed his life. Even when the film was remade in Hindi and Telugu, he remained a constant fixture in all these remakes. It was Gautham’s insistence on retaining Pradeep in all versions that helped the actor. In fact, since then Pradeep has used that same dialogue in different films in different ways.

He is one actor who has found opportunities not by recommendations but through friends. Pradeep came from a family that had no film background. Though he struggled to get roles initially, it came to a point where writers would pen dialogues keeping Pradeep in mind. He was a very contented actor and has often said that he never had to face any bad experiences in cinema. He believed that he was truly blessed.

‘Araattu’ which releases tomorrow is his last film. Even during Covid times, Pradeep had a handful of films. He will be missed!