As ad filmmaker Prakash Varma runs Mohanlal through the shot breakdowns on set, the atmosphere is abuzz with quiet anticipation. Assistants scurry about, final touches are made to the lighting, and the art team adjusts the opulent backdrop for the high-end jewellery commercial. Amidst this organised chaos, a striking female model is introduced to Mohanlal. Draped in a regal ensemble, she removes her elaborate diamond necklace and places it momentarily on the makeup table beside her. Mohanlal gives it a fleeting look, nods politely at the model, and quietly makes his way to his vanity van. Moments later, confusion sets in as the crew realises that the necklace has vanished. Murmurs grow louder, eyes dart around, people begin retracing steps, checking under tables, behind props.

Cut to: Mohanlal’s van.

The inside is dimly lit. Mohanlal, now dressed in a loose-fitting black short kurta and flowy pants, stands before the mirror. The heavy diamond necklace now adorns his neck. He’s also wearing a matching bracelet and a ring—each piece gleaming under the soft vanity lights. His eyes glimmer with a childlike wonder as he slowly runs his fingers along the curve of the necklace. He tilts his head, shifts his stance gently—almost reverentially—and then, as if overtaken by a private muse, he lifts his hands in a graceful mudra. His reflection responds in kind as he slips seamlessly into a soft classical dance pose, evoking a dancer lost in a moment of abandon. Outside, the mayhem continues. But inside the van, the world has momentarily paused for Mohanlal and the diamonds. Here is a gender-conforming male superstar—an icon who has long embodied conventional masculinity—seen unabashedly embracing his feminine energy. He wears the jewellery not as costume or parody, but with a quiet reverence........

© Mathrubhumi English