Sreenivasan and Innocent shared one of the most cherished friendships in Malayalam cinema, filled with iconic collaborations, humor, and unforgettable off-screen moments. Among the many stories from their journey, one particular prank by Sreenivasan continues to stand out for its sheer audacity.
From 'Nadodikkattu' and 'Pattanapravesham' to 'Varavelpu', 'Midhunam', and 'Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu', Innocent remained a constant presence in Sreenivasan's creative world. Their association stretched across decades, with films like 'Akkare Ninnoru Maran', 'Gandhinagar 2nd Street', 'Thalayana Manthram', and 'Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala' further cementing their legacy as a brilliant actor-writer duo.
Known for their sharp wit, the duo often indulged in playful mischief. However, during the shoot of 'Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam', Sreenivasan pulled off a prank that left everyone stunned. What seemed like a routine prop for a scene turned into a real legal document, with unexpected consequences.
The Prank That Backfired
Recalling the incident, Sreenivasan shared with SCREEN, "In the movie 'Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam' (1986), there is a scene in which Kunjikannan Nair (Innocent) gives a written agreement on stamp paper to Gopalakrishna Panikkar (Mohanlal). For the shoot, we prepared the note on actual legal stamp paper." But instead of harmless text, Sreenivasan had something far more mischievous written on it.
The document reportedly read, "I, Innocent, son of Vareed of Thekkethala House, Irinjalakuda, am transferring all my movable and immovable properties to Pattiom Sreenivasan." Unaware of the contents, Innocent signed the paper during the shoot, completing the scene without a second thought.
It was only after the take that the truth surfaced. As Sreenivasan recalled, "After the scene was over, I believe it was director Sathyan Anthikkad who teased him, asking, 'Innocent, was there any need for this? You've just lost all the wealth you worked so hard for all these years.'" Realizing what had happened, Innocent rushed to Sreenivasan and exclaimed, "Are you going to throw my wife and children onto the streets?" This reaction perfectly matched the scale of the prank.
Sreenivasan and Innocent's Friendship Beyond Jokes
Despite such antics, their bond was built on genuine care and support. Sreenivasan once revealed, "With Rs 400 from a Christian and money given by a Muslim Mammootty, I tied a golden tali around my Hindu wife. What religion, whose religion, where's religion?" This highlighted the deep friendships that shaped his life.
Beyond acting, Innocent also made his mark as a producer, writer, and politician, serving as a Member of Parliament from Chalakudy. Sreenivasan remained one of Malayalam cinema's most respected writers and performers. Even today, stories like this prank reflect not just their humor, but the warmth and camaraderie that defined their journey together.
