KOCHI: “A movie that introduces a new face should be shot using a new camera.” This was the thought that made Navodaya Appachan fly all the way to Germany to get the best camera of the time, Arri 2C, for his movie ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’, 1980, that introduced the actor Mohanlal to the world.
Though the years passed by, Appachan kept the camera safely, as though, knowing that it had a purpose. Around four months back, Mohanlal, who had been to Navodaya Studios for a shooting, met Appachan and asked whether he could buy the camera with which his first movie was shot.
After that, the actor forgot about the request but Appachan did not. He kept reminding Mohanlal about his request and on March 28, 2012, Appachan gifted the Arri 2C to Mohanlal’s camera collection.
“This is like a treasure to me,” said a wide-eyed Mohanlal. “I feel overwhelmed with joy and pride. I can feel myself growing younger now,” Appachan reciprocated.