Jishad Shamsudeen: Meet the man behind Mohanlal's look in 'Jailer'

Ever since Rajinikanth-starrer 'Jailer' hit theatres on August 10, Mollywood fans can't stop raving about Mohanlal's look in it.

Though an out-and-out Rajinikanth film, Mohanlal's cameo in 'Jailer' has impressed fans of the veteran actor who has been struggling to make an impact for some time following a string of flops. Many can't stop admiring the actor's swag in the movie. Mohanlal's look is also celebrated onscreen.

Costume designer Jishad Shamsudeen, who has been working as Mohanlal's personal stylist, is the man behind the actor's loud and sassy look onscreen.

Jishasd says film director Nelson Dilipkumar asked him to create a look that would represent a don from the 1970s to 1990s era. “That was not an easy task as I had to go through a lot of references to get a look that would suit Mohanlal's character Mathew in the film. The director asked me to take cues from films on drug lords like Pablo Escobar,” he says.

Jishad says he drew his own mood board and designed 17 styles, which he shared with the filmmakers. They then shortlisted five of them. “Finally they selected the leopard shirt look,” he said.

The makers had initially planned only one look for Mathew's character. “They then decided to go with more than one look. Mohanlal sir had personally liked another one, which he wore during the climax sequence,” he reveals.

Jishad, who has been working with Mohanlal for the past three years, says it's extremely comfortable to work with the veteran actor. “He is very supportive. As he prefers to be subtle with his looks and personality, I was quite unsure whether Mohanlal sir would like the look I selected for him. But, he was cool about wearing the loud attire,” he said.

Jishad says the accessories, including the watches and the bracelets, were sourced from Mumbai and Varkala. “I am so happy to be part of this project. Director Nelson also congratulated my work in the movie,” he says.