Mammootty's costume designer reveals story behind the star's viral printed shirts

Even as leading Malayalam actors belonging to the younger generation try to follow the latest trends in fashion in their movies, veteran star Mammootty has always been a trendsetter. In his latest fashion trend, the actor appeared in printed shirts during a promotional event of his film ‘Kaathal – the core’, currently running in the theatres. The shirts went viral in no time.
Abhijeet, who is the personal costume designer of Mammootty since the movie ‘Great Father’, speaks on the mega star’s sartorial choices.

Where did you find the printed shirts that went viral?
Mammootty’s comic series shirts were, in fact, purchased a year ago directly from Souled Store in Mumbai. During the film promotional event, he was seen in a shirt with Archie comics prints and the other was H&M’s graphic printed shirt. The shirts are very comfortable to wear and you won’t feel the heat as they are made of viscose fabric. We had no idea that the shirts would go viral. Mammootty had bought four or five more similar printed shirts. I don’t know whether he will wear them.

Mammootty has a mass look in the movie for which shooting is currently taking place. Could you reveal more?
The film, ‘Turbo’, has Mammootty in a traditional look. He would be seen in handloom design border ‘mundus’ and corduroy garment dye patch pocket shirts designed by me which give a rugged feel. A wooden rosary will accompany this attire. ‘Turbo’ is a mass entertainer and director Vysakh is giving full support to me in designing the superstar’s attire and I am arranging the costume as a fanboy. Mammootty’s fans, children and the family audience will love the movie.

Does Mammootty store all his shirts in the wardrobe?
Several people ask me what the actor does with all the shirts he owns. He retains some shirts and gives away the others to others. In fact, he has shirts which are 20-25 years old in his cupboard. Mammootty often repeats wearing certain shirts he loves.

Do you ever use the same costume for more than one movie?
I noticed some posts on social media pointing out that a character in ‘Kannur Squad’ was seen in the costume worn by Mammootty in ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam.’ It is true, because both films were produced by Mammootty Kampany. The costumes used in a movie would be handed over to the production team after shooting. The team will use those costumes in the subsequent films, if suitable. That’s how Mammootty’s shirt and ‘mundu’ in ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam’ appeared again in ‘Kannur Squad.’ We are glad that viewers minutely notice even the dress of Mammootty’s characters.