Mohanlal's Lightning Reflexes Prevented a Tragedy on Film Set
Veteran Malayalam screenwriter Kaloor Dennis recently shared a harrowing memory from the sets of the 1987 film 'January Oru Orma'. He recounted how superstar Mohanlal's quick thinking and fast reflexes saved actress Karthika from a potentially fatal fall during shooting.
Karthika's Rising Stardom in the 1980s
By the mid-1980s, Karthika had already established herself as a fresh and distinctive presence in Malayalam cinema. Films like 'Oru Painkilikatha' and 'Manicheppu Thurannappol' showcased her unique talent and made her a sensation among audiences. Despite her rapid rise to fame, those who worked with her remember her as soft-spoken and reserved.
Dennis first met Karthika in Kodaikanal in 1986 while preparing for 'January Oru Orma'. He noted her quiet demeanor, which contrasted with her growing popularity on screen. She arrived at the location quietly with her mother just before filming began, adding to the pressure of an already tense production schedule.
The Race Against Time in Kodaikanal
Director Joshiy and screenwriter Kaloor Dennis arrived in Kodaikanal days before the shoot with only a scene order and an incomplete script. With a star-studded cast including Mohanlal, Soman, Jayabharathi, Rohini, and Suresh Gopi set to join them, the pressure to complete the screenplay was intense. Every moment counted as they prepared for the challenging shoot ahead.
The first day of filming took the team to Suicide Point, a dramatic location overlooking a deep gorge. Mohanlal played the character Raju, while Karthika portrayed Nimmi. As mist rolled across the hilltop, the two actors delivered their dialogue naturally along a narrow path near the edge of the cliff. The setting created an authentic atmosphere for the scene.
The Moment That Could Have Ended in Disaster
During a playful exchange between their characters, Karthika delivered her line: "Anyway, shall I try jumping once?" As she spoke these words, she took a step forward. Her foot slipped dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. In that split second, Mohanlal reacted with incredible speed.
He grabbed Karthika's wrist and pulled her back to safety. The entire incident happened so quickly that most crew members didn't even notice the near-tragedy. According to Dennis, who witnessed the event firsthand, Mohanlal's lightning-fast reflexes prevented what could have been a fatal accident.
The Lingering Fear That Haunted the Crew
While the rest of the crew applauded what they thought was just another well-executed scene, Dennis stood shaken. He understood exactly how close they had come to disaster. The thought "If Mohanlal hadn't caught her that exact second..." stayed with him long after the shoot ended.
Years later, that misty hilltop in Kodaikanal remains unforgettable for the veteran screenwriter. The memory carries extra weight because 'January Oru Orma' became one of Karthika's final films before her sudden and mysterious exit from the film industry. The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected dangers that can occur even during routine film shoots.
This story highlights not just Mohanlal's presence of mind in a crisis, but also the unspoken risks actors sometimes face while bringing stories to life on screen. It remains one of those behind-the-scenes moments that never made it to the final cut but left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it.
