RGV’s Debatable Comment On Mohanlal Goes Viral

Ram Gopal Varma (RGV), a filmmaker with a reputation for outrageous statements, created waves on social media yesterday with his latest comment on Malayalam actor Mohanlal. RGV posted that he compared Dadasaheb Phalke (the father of Indian cinema) and Mohanlal in a ‘different way’ – as if to compare a legendary filmmaker with Mohanlal could somehow be saw as equivalent.

Dadasaheb Phalke should get the MOHANLAL AWARD.

RGV stated that he doesn’t know much about Phalke other than that he made India’s first film – which he himself has never seen, nor has anyone else he knows. He noted that he has had the opportunity to watch the acting of Mohanlal in films. This led him to conclude, “Dadasaheb Phalke should get the MOHANLAL AWARD.”

The comment was quintessential RGV: disrespectful, hyperbolic, outrageous, and all of those things intended to get you to think rather than just be outraged. By reversing the logic and suggesting that the father of Indian cinema should be awarded with an award named after an actor and not vice versa, Varma has created a discourse about legacy, relevance, and whether or not we perceive someone to be cinematic great.

Fans of Mohanlal eagerly shared RGV’s statement, interpreting it to mean that the director viewed the talented Malayalam actor as an exemplary actor with varied roles. Mohanlal remains a favourite not only in Kerala but throughout India, and for decades he has been recognized for his naturalistic performances and ability to play many different characters in both mainstream and art films. For many, RGV’s comment affirms what they already knew: Mohanlal is the greatest Indian actor ever.

Ram Gopal Varma Disrespecting Dadasaheb Phalke

On the other hand, there are many who criticize RGV for disrespecting Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to Indian cinema when he suggests that Phalke should be awarded the honour along with an actor. The Dadasaheb Phalke award is still the highest honour in Indian cinema which recognizes lifetime contributions to Indian cinema. To suggest that a Dadasaheb Phalke should be awarded to an actor is to disregard the historical and cultural tribute of Phalke.

As with other statements from RGV, like some of his earlier tweets, this statement walks the fine line between sincere admiration and tongue-in-cheek provocateur. Whether it is taken as absurd and gold-plated praise behind the moment, or summarily dismissive of Phalke, in the end, RGV, either way, revived a conversation that has taken place across the country, and to be gereral an appropriate way to acknowledge Mohanlal.

I don’t know much about #DadasahebPhalke except that he’s made the 1st ever film , which i dint see and I never met anyone who saw it , but from what I saw and know of @Mohanlal , I think Dadasaheb Phalke should be given the MOHANLAL AWARD 💐🔥💪

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) September 20, 2025