For several decades, the Mollywood has seen an interesting box office battle between super stars Mammootty and Mohanlal during the Onam season. But this year, the clash will not hit the screens to thrill the fans. The onscreen rivalry between the two leading actors of Malayalam cinema is nearly three decades- old, and usually, the two stars come up with some biggies to rev up the Onam festivities. This year, Mohanlal has two releases slated for Onam --'Janatha Garage' (Malayalam dubbed version of his Telugu movie) and 'Oppam', directed by Priyadarsan. However, Mammootty does not have any releases scheduled for this month. It will be Dileep, though, who will be vying with Mohanlal for a share of the box office pie through 'Welcome to Central Jail', which is expected to be a fun ride.
Interestingly, Priyadarsan-Mohanlal team's 'Oppam' is not the hit combo's first Onam offering. Some of the pair's memorable movies had been released during Onam in the past. They include 'Aryan', 'Vandanam', 'Kilukkam', 'Adwaitham', 'Minnaram' and 'Chandralekha'. My star sign is Thiruvonam and yes, some of my notable movies with Lal (Mohanlal) had been released during Onam. So the season is considered a lucky one for me. And, of course, Onam is one of the biggest seasons for Malyalam cinema,” said Priyadarsan.
In 1988, the hit duo's Onam release was 'Aryan' which competed against Mammootty's '1921' and 'Thanthram' at the box office. In 1989, Priyadarsan-Mohanlal combo came up with 'Vandanam' while Mammootty had the runaway hit 'Nairsaab' and Jagratha as Onam releases. In 1991, it was the blockbuster Kilukkam which competed against Mammootty's 'Anaswaram' (Shweta Menon's debut movie). In 1992, the Onam season saw one of the biggest box office clashes in Malayalam between Priyadarsan-Mohanlal team's 'Adwaitham', Mohanlal's another biggie 'Yodha' and Mamootty's 'Pappayude Swantham Appoos' and 'Kizhakkan Pathrose'. The 1994 Onam season had Mohanlal-starrer 'Minnaram' helmed by Priyadarsan pitted against Mammootty-Joshiy team's 'Sainyam'. In 1997, it was Mohanlal-Priyadarsan combo's 'Chandralekha' and Mammootty's 'Kaliyoonjal' which were the major Onam releases.
Reminiscing about the good old days, Priyadarsan said in the late 1980s and 90s, Malayalam cinema revolved around Mammootty and Mohanlal. So the major box office fight was between them. “But now the audience has changed and new stars have come up. Now, the market is open to all,” he added.
Scenarist Benny P Nayarambalam, who has written 'Welcome To Central Jail', said, “Onam is one occasion where Malayalis prepare traditional dishes, where family members reunite and it is one of the happiest days of their life. Naturally they love to see their favourite actors as part of the celebration. That is why big stars' releases are lined up for Onam.”