If you were to ask for the most romantic dialogue of Mohanlal, the proposal lines from the 1986 Padmarajan classic Namukku Parkkan Muthiri Thoppukal would unarguably take the numero uno position.
When Padmarajan made Solomon, a viticulturist, recite verses from the book of Song of Songs in the Bible, to his lover Sofia (Shari), Mohanlal layered it with his romantic tone and the rest is history: the scene was permanently etched into the golden history of Malayalam cinema.
In the movie, Mohanlal uses the verses while talking about his vineyard to Shari. Now, 30 years later, he is starring in a film that has grapes in its title - Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol (When the Grapevines Sprout), directed by Jibu Jacob.
Now, what better way to use those beautiful lines once again than in Mohanlal's own voice to launch the title of the new movie, the makers might have thought.
In the title launch video, we can listen to a matured voice of Mohanlal, reciting the same verses after a period of three decades. But the charm remains the same; the mood he creates with his intonation of the dialogue is as impeccable as the original version, which was recorded 30 years ago.
Written by Sindhu Raj, Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol is loosely based on the Malayalam short story Pranayopanishad by V. J. James. Mohanlal plays panchayat secretary Ulahannan in the film and actor Meena plays his wife.
The film, produced by Sophia Paul under the banner of Weekend Blockbusters, is slated for its release on December 22.