Danish Sait took a gamble when he played the anti-hero in his Malayalam film debut, Malaikottai Vaaliban. While the film didn’t create many waves commercially, it got the actor-comedian noticed. 

Happy with the response, the 35-year-old says, “Malayalam was a brand new language [for me]. During those three months, while I was shooting in Pokhran, Rajasthan, with my head half-shaved, I never did anything on the internet, no Instagram video or branded content. I devoted myself to this one film. Looking back, I’m glad I did that.”

His dedication caught the attention of Mohanlal, a veteran actor in the Malayalam industry, who also played the lead in the film. “Mr Mohanlal gave me compliment [on my work in the film],” he says, adding, ”It was quite an accomplished film set and I was intimidated. I remember calling my wife (Anya Rangaswami) and saying, ‘I am the least qualified person on set’. There were people who had National Awards, State Awards; someone’s film went to the Oscars, and more. But, everyone was very sweet to me.”

Sait is active in the stand-up comedy space and has previously worked in films such as Humble Politician Nograj (2018) and 777 Charlie (2022).

When Danish Sait first watched a Mohanlal film 16 years ago, he would’ve laughed had someone told him that he would share screen space with the Malayalam superstar some day. Today, the actor-comic is gearing up for the release of Malaikottai Vaaliban, a Lijo Jose Pellissery-directed period drama led by Mohanlal. The movie marks many firsts for Sait—it not only is his maiden Malayalam film, but also sees him explore a space far removed from comedy, which is his forte.

“I am excited to play characters that are far from me, so that I can push myself to get to them. There are so many wonderful filmmakers I’d love to collaborate with. I am not in a hurry. It’s not the money that drives me to pursue acting; it’s my love for the art,” he says.

The cherry on the cake was obviously the opportunity to work with Mohanlal. Shooting alongside an icon can be nerve-wracking. But Sait praises the Malayalam superstar for creating a comfortable space for him.

“It’s intimidating to have such an icon around you. No matter what I did, I looked up to him for approval. At the same time, there were certain things I did that he pointed out, saying, ‘I like what you did there.’ I was nervous in some shots. There are big set-pieces, the director is handling hundreds of extras, sir was present—in such cases, you want to give your best take, and not inconvenience anyone. In a scene, I did a few retakes and sir said, ‘Just relax and do it so-and-so way. It will be easier.’ That’s exactly what happened.”