Happy birthday, Mammootty: Kochi's 'Mammootty House' a hit among tourists and fans

As Malayalam film industry's beloved actor Mammootty celebrates his 75th birthday today, fans have held cake-cutting ceremonies, blood donation camps and more to make the occasion special. Many fans flocked to his house in Kochi's Elamkulam in the early hours of the day, and the actor, who is in Chennai, addressed them on a video call.

Meanwhile, his previous residence in Kochi's Panampilly Nagar, named 'Mammootty House,' also had a fair share of fan visits. The facility, quite near the 'Live-in Style' salon by famous stylist Shobha Kunchan, wife of actor Kunchan) and managed by Vkationexperiences group, was converted to a boutique villa last year. Mammootty and family still visit the house, on and off. Everything in the house was purchased and designed by the actor and family themselves.

A favourite spot for NRIs
Since the launch, Mammootty House has catered to NRI Malayalis and occasionally North Indians and foreigners, says Vkationexperiences CEO Maju George.

"NRI families from the US and other countries, who are in Kochi to attend weddings or other events, generally book Mammootty House for 10-15 days or a few weeks. They get a homely feel there, go for shopping or trips from here," he says.

Unlike hotels, the check-in and check-out timings are also flexible here. "While guests have to check in around 2 pm and check out by 11 am in hotels, we don't have such rules in the house. Therefore, it has more value for money. For instance, flights from the Gulf region generally land around 8 or 9 am. Therefore, customers will reach the home around 10 am, and it is permitted," Maju explains. After every guest leaves, the house remains vacant for one or two days for deep cleaning.

The 'Mammootty House' kitchen
The home has an English-style kitchen, so visitors are served an English breakfast in the mornings, says Maju. They can either order lunch and dinner or have food from renowned nearby restaurants. "At times when guests request meals for the whole day, we collaborate with prominent chefs too to take care of their full-day menu and serve them," he says.

When fans visit
Many fans visit Mammootty's Elamkulam house mostly on his birthday, but the house in Panampally Nagar draws them every day, says Maju. "In the evenings, people often visit as groups to click pictures or reels from outside the property. Some of them also inquire whether Mammootty is in the house," he says.

Funnily enough, some people even call up the service providers and talk to them as though they are interacting with the actor! "People call asking for opportunities in movies, charity needs, requests to meet the actor and more. We tell them we manage the property and promise to pass on messages about genuine cases. One of our reservation team members' names is George, and at times, people mistake him for Georgettan (Mammootty's longtime PA) and speak at length," he says with a smile.

How to book Mammootty House
The facility is available for booking via phone at 9778465700 and 9778455700. It has four bedrooms (previously used by Dulquer Salmaan, Mammootty's daughter Surumi, his mother, and him) with double occupancy. The cost per night ranges from ₹30,000 (for 2 rooms) to ₹60,000 (plus 18% GST). For details, you can also email reservations@vkation.com. Mammootty still owns the house, and Vkationexperiences manages the property's hospitality.

The Panampilly Nagar area
The Panampilly Nagar area in Kochi is a green yet posh locality where many Malayalam actors and other celebrities live. They can be spotted at various eateries and public spaces here from time to time. The area also has some high-end cafes, boutiques and other amenities that make it a preferred neighbourhood for those from the movie industry.

'Mammootty' has more than 5K search volume on Google Trends in the past five hours.