Speaking about working with filmmaker Priyadarshan on Malamaal Weekly, she highlighted his discipline, simplicity, and unique working style, which left a lasting impression on the entire cast.
Sudha Chandran described Priyadarshan as a director who was extremely dedicated to his craft. She recalled how he would personally ensure that everything ran on time, even if it meant waking up his actors at odd hours. According to her, he would knock on the cast’s doors as early as 4 in the morning so everyone would be ready for a 6 am shoot.
She also spoke about how well-organised the production was. Around 15 to 20 cars would be lined up below, each assigned to a specific actor or crew member.
What stood out the most in her memory was how efficiently Priyadarshan managed time on set. She shared that the entire team would reach the shoot location by 8 in the morning, complete their scenes quickly, and before they even realised it, the director would announce pack-up. The actors would often be shocked and would ask, “Sir, pack up so early?” To this, Priyadarshan would reply, “Yes, go and sleep.” His focus was always on getting the work done in the best possible way without wasting anyone’s time.
Sudha Chandran added that, thanks to this fast-paced, disciplined schedule, the team never felt exhausted despite the tight routine. In fact, the shoot went by so smoothly that they didn’t even realise how quickly 20 days had passed. There was a sense of comfort and ease on set, which made the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.
Talking about the film itself, she remembered it as a beautiful, simple story that resonated with audiences. The movie revolved around a lottery ticket and how it changed the lives of people in a small village. Its humour, simplicity, and relatable characters made it special, and it is fondly remembered by fans even today.
Through this conversation, Sudha Chandran not only praised Priyadarshan’s professionalism but also gave a glimpse into what makes him such a respected filmmaker. His ability to balance discipline with care for his team clearly left a strong impact on her.
