For most actors, a breakthrough arrives in the first few years. For Saiju Kurup, it took 21 years.
The Malayalam actor, who made his debut with ‘Naran’ (2005) starring Mohanlal, is finally enjoying the spotlight with his recent film ‘Mohiniyattam’. In an emotional interview, Saiju opened up about the long wait, the struggles, and why this success feels different.
A debut that promised much
Saiju started as a junior artist in ‘Naran’, playing a small role alongside Mohanlal. He followed it with character roles in films like ‘Pachakkuthira’ (2006), ‘Thirakkatha’ (2008), and ‘Cocktail’ (2010). But despite consistent work, the kind of recognition that leads to lead roles remained elusive.
“I was never jobless. I acted in over 50 films. But I was never the hero or the main villain. I was ‘that friend’ or ‘that colleague’,” Saiju recalls with a wry smile.
The struggle behind the smile
Saiju admits there were years of self-doubt. He saw contemporaries rise, get second chances, and become stars. He continued playing supporting roles, often uncredited or forgotten in posters.
“After a point, you start questioning yourself. Am I not talented enough? Is it my luck? My face? I stopped asking after a while and just focused on showing up,” he says.
Financial struggles were real too. There were months with no new releases, no calls from producers. He relied on small savings and his wife’s support.
‘Mohiniyattam’ – the game changer
Directed by Vinay Varma, ‘Mohiniyattam’ released in April 2026 to positive reviews and strong box office numbers. Saiju plays a complex character – a man caught between tradition and modernity – in this family drama set against the backdrop of classical dance.
The film has collected over ₹15 crore worldwide, a huge success for a mid-budget Malayalam film with no superstars.
“When I first heard the script, I knew this was different. The character had layers. I told the director, ‘I have been waiting 20 years for this role.’ He laughed. I wasn’t joking,” Saiju says.
Why the success matters now
At 46, Saiju is not a young newcomer. He is a seasoned actor finally getting his due. ‘Mohiniyattam’ has opened new doors – three new lead role offers have already come in.
“This success came 21 years after my debut. That matters because it tells every struggling actor that your time can come at any age. You just have to survive long enough,” he says emotionally.
Family’s role in the journey
Saiju credits his wife, actress and dancer, for standing by him through the lean years. “She never once asked me to quit. She believed when I didn’t. This success is as much hers as mine.”
His children, now teenagers, grew up watching their father play small roles. “They used to ask me, ‘Appa, why are you not on the poster?’ Now for ‘Mohiniyattam’, they put my photo on their phone wallpaper. That is my biggest award.”
What’s next
Saiju has signed two more films as lead – a thriller and a family comedy. “I am not here to prove anything anymore. I just want to enjoy the roles I waited two decades to play.”
For every actor who has felt invisible, Saiju Kurup’s story is a reminder: a late breakthrough is still a breakthrough.
