His claim to fame is that he is the son of megastar Mammootty, but once his debut film Second Show releases on February 3, he will develop an identity of his own.
Dulquer, or Chalu as he is known at home, will also be seen in the upcoming Usthad Hotel and another film with Mohanlal.
A mystique had been built around Dulquer’s Malayalam debut with little of the story line let out and limiting his public appearances to a few high-profile launch functions.
Dulquer explains how he zeroed in on the film by Srinath Rajendran: “I had been listening to a few scripts including one by a group of youngsters. I identified with these youngsters who left their jobs because of their passion for films. I play the character of Lalu.”
Second Show is about the dreams of five young men and how they overcome challenges. Dulquer is following his father’s footsteps in encouraging new directors.
“Films are very personal and creative. There should be honesty in the story telling and filmmaking. It is possible to make ‘instant movies’ but they won’t work because the audiences can tell the difference.”
On the personal front, too, it has been a ‘happening’ phase for young Dulquer. His recent marriage to Amaal Sufiya has given him a soulmate to ‘share his highs and lows’.
“It has been a whirlwind life and I left for a shoot two days after returning from my honeymoon. Amaal is doted on by my parents and she has bonded well with them.”
Dulquer had an offer earlier from director Shyama Prasad but had to refuse it.
“I was still working in Dubai and committing to it would have required me to take leave. I was a bit confused about which path to take. I believe that there is a time and place for everything and that one cannot accelerate events.”
Dulquer’s first love was direction and had made a couple of short films including one when he was in school with his father’s camera. “Yes. I do plan to direct films some day,” he says.
Does he feel as though he is in his father’s shadow? “The more I think of the long shadow he casts, the less I evolve as an actor. I have stopped making comparisons and think primarily of doing my job to the best of my ability. Even if I earn a smaller slot than my father, that would suffice. I am not a big star and what I crave for is to be known as a good actor.”
Mammootty does not interfere with his career but the superstar constantly worried about the safety of his family.
“My father is always tense about us, which is not healthy, but we have grown to live with it. What I admire about him is the integrity with which he has approached his life and career. My father has an inner drive that makes him young forever and still retains a child-like excitement about new films. I have taken a leaf out of his book by doing only those projects that excite me,” he says.
