Godfather Is My Favourite Family Film: 10 Questions with Basil Joseph

Basil Joseph of Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022) fame will be next seen in Falimy, which is slated to hit the screens on November 10. In a candid conversation with Vishal Menon, Basil talks about being recognised for his directorial Minnal Murali, his favourite family drama and more. 

Edited excerpts below.

Vishal: What is your favourite Malayalam family drama of all time?

Basil: I like most of the movies made by Sathyan Anthikad sir and Priyadarshan sir. But when you ask like this, the first film that comes to mind is Godfather (1991) by Siddique-Lal.

Vishal: As an actor, what is the best compliment you have received? Or the most surprising compliment?

Basil: I think the compliment from Aamir Khan sir was the best. He called me after watching Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022). A lot of people complimented me on that film, but we will have that one special thing, right? He has been my idol since childhood, so it was special.

Vishal: In that case, as a director, what is the weirdest compliment you have got for Minnal Murali?

Basil: While shooting Falimy in Kashi, a stranger came by the location. We told him that we were shooting a South Indian film and he thought we were some big production and wanted to know who the hero was. When my co-actor Jagadeesh pointed at me, he wasn’t impressed. He asked, “Is he the hero?” 

Jagsdeesh bro got triggered and asked him if Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are all tall enough to be a hero or if is it mandatory that all heroes should look like Salman Khan. As an actor, I heard all these. During the shoot, we used to relax at a cafe and the owner tried to shoo us away. When we told him, we were shooting for a film, he got talking. And when he learnt that I made Minnal Murali, his whole attitude changed. From that day onwards he always welcomed us there. It was a different experience that after getting insulted in one place, I also got such a good compliment.

Vishal: What is the one film you have watched the most number of times?

Basil: Kiliukkam.

Vishal: What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Basil: The obvious one is Tom and Jerry. I also liked Jungle Book, Scooby-Dooby-Doo and Denver, the Last Dinosaur. I watched a lot of cartoons on Nickelodeon and Pogo like Mr Bean and Takeshi’s Castle.

Vishal: What is your favourite Malayalam comic book character that you think would make for a great superhero film?

Basil: I think Mayavi, it is the obvious answer. Apart from that, Dinkan and Nambolan are also interesting. Nambolan has parallels to Popeye like he has this drink that gives him superpowers.

Vishal: Would you be interested in making a film on Nambolan?

Basil: If I get a chance, why not?

Vishal: Are you a Marvel or DC guy?

Basil: Marvel, mostly.

Vishal: What is your favourite Marvel movie?

Basil: Spiderman and Iron Man are favourites since they are the most relatable in terms of their origin stories. Other movies and origin stories are more in the larger-than-life space. At the same time, I also love DC’s Dark Knight trilogy and the first parts of Shazam and Wonder Woman.

Vishal: There is a rumour that your next directorial is going to be a superhero movie in Hindi starring a superstar. You can give a Yes/ No/ Can’t Answer…But you cannot say can’t answer.

Basil: Can’t Answer. ( Laughs)