Mammootty often drove, Mohanlal would keep conversation flowing: Sidhu Panakkal recalls life on road with Mollywood icons

Sidhu Pannakkal, a veteran production controller in the Malayalam film industry, recently took a heartfelt trip down memory lane, sharing his cherished experiences of travelling by car with some of the biggest stars in Malayalam cinema. He began by recalling his early journeys with the late actor Sukumaran, remembering how he would sit rigidly in the front seat of Sukumaran’s iconic Benz during long drives to Madras (now Chennai), rarely stopping for breaks. Those early days were filled with awe and reverence, as he adjusted to the superstar’s presence and preferences.

Sidhu also revealed that he’s travelled the most with Mohanlal, describing how each car ride with the superstar began with a phone call to his mother, followed by a quick chat with Suchitra Chechi. From there, Mohanlal would keep the conversation flowing all the way to the shoot location. Sidhu recalled a journey during the filming of ‘Paradeshi’ in Rajasthan, where Mohanlal preferred eating at roadside dhabas in remote villages, confident that few would recognize him.

He also shared stories of travelling with Mammootty during films like ‘Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu,’ ‘Love in Singapore,’ and ‘Udyanapalakan.’ Mammootty, he said, loves driving himself and often took the wheel with Sidhu beside him, while their colleagues Ezhumalai and George rode in the back. In some instances, when Mammootty didn’t bring his own vehicle, a local car—often borrowed from prominent individuals or arranged by the producer—would be used.

One such instance was during ‘Udyanapalakan,’ where a Deputy Superintendent of Police’s (DYSP) car was arranged for Mammootty. Sidhu remembers instructing the driver not to object if Mammootty wanted to drive it himself. As expected, after landing at the airport, Mammootty immediately asked if he could take the wheel. They stopped at an Indian Coffee House for breakfast, and from there, Mammootty drove them back, with the driver quietly seated in the back.

Sidhu also fondly recalled his time working with Suresh Gopi during the shoot of ‘Ottakomban.’ “Suresh Gopi Chettan loves to talk during journeys,” he wrote. “He would ask me about my film experiences, curious about how I started and what those early days were like.” But as a busy political leader and minister, Gopi’s phone was never far from his hand. Yet, whenever he found a free moment, he would engage wholeheartedly in conversation. His car, Sidhu noted, was always stocked with snacks—biscuits, chocolates, fried treats—which were generously shared with the crew, children, and fans at the location. “He’d often offer us some too, saying, ‘Have some.’”

Reflecting on these countless journeys, Sidhu expressed his deep gratitude for the warmth and generosity of the stars he’s worked with. “They are under no obligation to offer me a seat in their cars, but they do so with kindness and grace,” he wrote. He also reminisced about travelling with Mallika Sukumaran (Chechi), Raju, and Indran. “Some of these memories came flooding back during a recent, peaceful journey with Chechi. I was finally able to slouch back and just enjoy the ride.” Sidhu concluded by mentioning how much joy he finds in travelling with his own family—his wife, who is both partner and companion, and their children. Those journeys, too, are filled with love and meaning.