Quotes from Dileesh Pothan

There are two kinds of responses - the one we think we might get and the one we wish we get.

From the 'get go', we were working within the limitations of the pandemic. The idea was to work around the situation, and that led us to 'Joji.'

All I am trying to do is communicate a story that I can visualize in my head, into something better for the audience. If that means paying attention to detail then that's what I will do.

I've always been interested in the arts and chucked a science degree to study theatre and performance art because I was so enamored by it.

I enjoy humor with a poignant touch.

Directing is my first love; turning an actor was rather accidental.

Essentially, I am a lazy bum. I prefer lolling around, watching movies and yapping away to glory with my family and friends, when I have the time.

The Malayali audience, which appreciates a good story or experiment, is our strength. They don't ask who is the star of a new film, they ask who is the director and writer.

In each of our lives, there are certain moments that have the potential to change everything, depending on how we react. Those are the little stories that I'm trying to capture.

Clearly the encouragement I received after 'Mahesh...' helped in the making of 'Thondimuthalum.'

'Joji' is a special film, the story will keep audiences hooked till the end.

I am not saying theatre release movies are restrictive. But I do not get certain 'freedoms' which 'Joji' gave me; I did not get those with both my earlier films.

A film released in a theatre needs to provide entertainment to more people. It is different with an OTT platform, not just in terms of audience size - it gives space to break more conventions.

I have great expectations about 'Trance.' It has been in the making for two years and we shot in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, places in Kerala and in Mumbai.

I find it difficult to direct myself in my films and so I avoid taking on any major roles in my films as I feel my judgement might be flawed.

But acting is just something I do. It's not a passion like filmmaking is.

In 'Maheshinte...' fight is the central aspect of the story - a man who is assaulted physically in front of his own townsfolk and how he fails miserably. Humiliated, fighting back his honor becomes the sole reason behind his existence.

I don't believe that films can be compared to each other as each one is a work of art and deserves appreciation on its own merits.

I have tried using spaces indoors in 'Thondimuthal'... In my view, 'Joji' is more limited in terms of the number of characters - in that sense the canvas could be considered limited.

Cinema felt like a fantasy. It was like watching dreams unfold on the screen before me.

I think I'm overrated as a director!