Mammukka's praise was like an Oscar for me:Vinod Kovoor

Vinod Kovoor, familiar to TV audiences as Moidu of Marimayam and Moosakka of M80 Moosa, speaks about his journey from theatre to the small screen, how the sitcoms have brought about a change in reality and more
Actor Vinod Kovoor is on cloud nine these days, as appreciation keeps pouring in for his portrayal of Moidu and Moosakka in the sitcom series, Marimayam and M80 Moosa respectively.The actor, who has also done side roles in films like Ustad Hotel and Puthiya Theerangal, however, admits that his heart lies in character roles. Vinod chats to us about his life in showbiz and more.
The journey so far…
I always dreamt of becoming an actor. I started off with theatre while in Class 5. My hometown Kozhikode always had a space for small and big theatre festivals, where I received numerous stages to experiment with my acting skills.
I began my ‘acting career’ with a few plays like Pattabakki and Paadam-2 Bharatham. I was also into mono-act and mimicry in school. My association with comedy troupes like Calicut Spotline and Tom and Jerry made me a recognised artiste among the local audiences.
I debuted in TV through a few acting reality shows which gave me a platform to showcase my skills. I made my television serial debut through the famous serial Kayamkulam Kochunni, where I played an important role.
It was a matter of great pride for me when actor Mammootty congratulated me in person for my act in ‘Athe Karanathal’ my short film that won me best actor title in the National Film Festival in 2013. His appreciation was equivalent to receiving an Oscar for me. It also gave me a chance to act with him in Varsham.
Though I had performed serious roles in theatre, I received more recognition for my comedy stage shows; they had pure humour free from double meanings. The stage shows paved the way to Marimayam and M80 Moosa. Being a native of Kozhikode, the colloquial slang turned out to be my trump card and in no time, my characters Moidu and Moosakka became popular among the Malayalam TV audiences.
Holding a mirror to the society…
Making people laugh is more difficult than making them cry, on screen. The two shows I do are related to real-life experiences but presented in a humourous way such that audiences can relax in their busy lives. We portray the incidents in daily life that a common man witnesses in society. Moosakka is the symbolic representation of a father who struggles to take care of his new-gen kids. But even in the midst of pressures, he is honest in his acts. There is a huge fan base for the show M80 Moosa among Malayalis who are staying abroad. They say that the show shot with a village as its background gives them a homely feel.
Marimayam, on the other hand, also has informative elements. We all have to deal with government institutions, banks, courts etc. where the encounters may or may not be pleasant. The show acts as a mirror to the society featuring such encounters with a pinch of humour. Many people have shared that they have observed a change in the attitude of the officials after we enact the incidents on screen.
I love it when people address me as Moosakka...
I love it when people address me as Moosakka or Moidu. Even kids shout “Ammaa Dhe Moosakka...” when they see me in a crowd. While traveling in train, I get ideas for the show, as I come across socially relevant topics faced by co-commuters. Some tell me that they often ask the officials, “Sir Marimayam kanarundallo alle?” when their requests get neglected or delayed in public offices. We have also received abuses from many establishments.
Coming up next…
I have four Mollywood releases coming up. The Moosakka-Pathu couple will soon be on the silver screen with names changed through the film Biriyani Kissa by debutant director Kiran. My co-actor Surabhi and I will be doing a small segment in the film, where actress Lena plays the lead role.