Hyderabad: In the current Bollywood landscape, actor Vidya Balan doubts that A-list stars would be willing to take on a gay role similar to Mammootty's portrayal in the 2023 Malayalam-language film Kaathal: The Core, directed by Jeo Baby. Vidya Balan exaggerated the factors that make such a performance highly unlikely in the Hindi film industry.
While speaking on a podcast, the Do Aur Do Pyaar actor pointed out that Kerala's audience is distinctly more literate, which creates a different cultural context. "We have to accept that it's a more literate audience in Kerala. That's a big difference. The texture of the lowest common denominator is very different in Kerala," she said.
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The actor stated that the difference in Kerala lies in its more educated audience, resulting in a unique texture that's more open to diverse storylines. She explained that it's a reflection of their society, where actors, especially male superstars, are revered and worshipped.
"I'm not taking away from him (Mammootty) that he did. But maybe it's a bit easier there. It is a reflection of his society. I think they'd be more open to something like this. And they revere their actors like anything in the South. They worship them, especially the male superstars. So it's that much more credible that he went ahead and did it. He didn't think it'd be a reflection of my machismo. He's a much more secure actor," she said.
Vidya Balan praised Mammootty's performance, citing it as a remarkable display of acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community. "For the biggest superstar of Malayalam cinema to not only act in it, but also produce it, I don't think there's a bigger show of acceptance or support to the community, and then opening others' minds to the same. Unfortunately, I don't think any of our Hindi stars would be able to do a film like Kaathal," she added.
The film, directed by Jeo Baby, features Mammootty and Jyothika, with the latter's character seeking a divorce due to her husband's homosexuality. The film marks Mammootty and Jyothika's first collaboration.
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