Tech [email protected] April 20, 2025 0 Comments

The Complete Journey of Paranthazhal Mohanan

Introduction

Paranthazhal Mohanan is a rising star in the Malayalam film industry, known for his experimental direction and significant production ventures. With a unique blend of cinematic storytelling and advertising acumen, he has shaped a niche in regional cinema. This article offers a detailed, easy-to-read, and thoroughly researched overview of his life, career, and contributions, designed to provide more value than any existing online resource.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Trivandrum, Kerala, Paranthazhal Mohanan showed a passion for storytelling from a young age. He completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom, where his creative spark first took root. Later, he pursued a degree in Visual and Mass Communication from Mar Ivanios College, equipping him with a strong foundation in media and narrative craft.

Not content with just academic knowledge, Mohanan took his passion further by enrolling in a Post Graduate Diploma in Film Direction at the prestigious L V Prasad Film and TV Academy in Chennai. During his time there, he directed a diploma film titled Apratheekshitham, which earned acclaim at international film festivals held in Mumbai, Milan, and Lyon.

Entry into the Film Industry

Paranthazhal Mohanan made his directorial debut with ONE in 2013, a bold experimental horror thriller starring the popular actor Jagadeesh. The film was lauded for its classic horror elements, meticulous cinematography, and powerful narrative structure. Though not a blockbuster, it established Mohanan as a creative force to watch.

At a time when mainstream Malayalam cinema was leaning towards commercial storytelling, Mohanan brought in nuanced, experimental tones that resonated with a niche but loyal audience. His transition from advertising to cinema significantly influenced his style, blending visual sophistication with emotional depth.

Career Milestones

Over the years, Paranthazhal Mohanan has worn multiple hats in the film industry. In 2014, he served as the executive producer for John Paul Vaathil Thurakkunnu, a film based on a short story by Punathil Kunjabdulla. In 2016, he co-produced Olappeeppi, a film that later won two Kerala State Film Awards.

Another noteworthy milestone was Mudra, a segment of the 2017 anthology Crossroad. This short film focused on gender narratives and featured compelling performances by Isha Talwar and Anjali Nair. It was yet another testimony to Mohanan’s inclination towards socially relevant storytelling.

Advertising and Sravia

Aside from filmmaking, Paranthazhal Mohanan is a prominent figure in the advertising sector in Kerala. He is the director of Sravia Advertising Pvt. Ltd., one of the most reputed ad firms in the state. Under his leadership, the firm has produced over 400 corporate and advertisement films for renowned brands.

His background in advertising allows him to infuse precision and polish into his cinematic ventures. This dual expertise distinguishes him from many of his contemporaries and contributes to his distinct narrative style.

Biriyani Films Initiative

Mohanan also spearheaded Biriyani Films, a grassroots-level film collective aimed at democratizing the production process. The collective became popular for compensating its cast and crew with biryani—a symbol of community and collaboration rather than monetary gains.

Notable Films from Biriyani Films:

Title	Year	Genre	Highlights
Madam	2017	Social Drama	Tackled power dynamics
Ellam Sheriyaakum	2018	Experimental	Explored personal transformation

Biriyani Films reflects Paranthazhal Mohanan’s deep-rooted belief in storytelling as a communal and cultural activity.

Teaching and Mentorship

Paranthazhal Mohanan is also known for his role in shaping future filmmakers. He regularly conducts guest lectures and workshops at reputed institutions like the Asian School of Business and the College of Engineering, Trivandrum.

His teaching philosophy is rooted in practical exposure and real-time case studies, encouraging students to merge theory with application. By engaging with students directly, he has fostered a new generation of passionate storytellers.

Upcoming Projects

Currently, Paranthazhal Mohanan is working on an ambitious coming-of-age feature film, which is expected to go into production by mid-2025. While the details are under wraps, early reports suggest the film will explore complex themes of identity, freedom, and societal expectation.

With each new project, Mohanan continues to push the envelope, offering content that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.

Filmography

Here’s a look at Paranthazhal Mohanan’s work across various roles:

As Director

ONE (2013)

As Executive Producer

John Paul Vaathil Thurakkunnu (2014)

As Co-Producer

Olappeeppi (2016)
Crossroad – Mudra Segment (2017)

Through Biriyani Films

Madam (2017)
Ellam Sheriyaakum (2018)

Awards and Recognitions

Paranthazhal Mohanan has received several accolades for his work. Olappeeppi won two Kerala State Film Awards in 2017, affirming his position as a capable producer. Moreover, his diploma film Apratheekshitham was selected for prestigious international festivals such as:

Mumbai International Film Festival
I’ve Seen Films Festival, Milan
ASIEXPO, Lyon

These honors highlight the artistic depth and global relevance of his work.

Personal Life

Though a public figure, Paranthazhal Mohanan maintains a relatively private personal life. He is deeply rooted in his hometown of Trivandrum and attributes much of his creative inspiration to the culture and heritage of Kerala. Apart from filmmaking, he is passionate about reading, photography, and mentoring young talent.

Influence and Legacy

It is no exaggeration to say that Paranthazhal Mohanan has influenced the evolving narrative of Malayalam cinema. By daring to tell unconventional stories and backing projects that address socially relevant themes, he has expanded the scope of regional filmmaking.

His legacy is not just limited to the films he’s made, but also the lives he’s touched through mentorship and grassroots initiatives like Biriyani Films.

Media Presence and Public Engagements

Paranthazhal Mohanan maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where he shares updates about his projects and engages with his followers. His interviews and media features have appeared in popular publications, offering insights into his creative process and industry perspectives.

You can follow him on:

Instagram: @parthanmohan
Threads: @parthanmohan
YouTube: Parthan Mohan

FAQs

1. What was Paranthazhal Mohanan’s first film?

His directorial debut was the experimental horror thriller ONE in 2013.

2. Is Paranthazhal Mohanan involved in education?

Yes, he frequently lectures and mentors students at major institutions in Kerala.

3. What is Biriyani Films?

It is a grassroots film collective initiated by Mohanan, where filmmakers collaborate and are rewarded symbolically with biryani.

4. What sets Paranthazhal Mohanan apart in Malayalam cinema?

His fusion of advertising precision with cinematic storytelling and a passion for social narratives make him unique.

5. Does he have any upcoming films?

Yes, he is currently developing a coming-of-age Malayalam feature, expected to begin production in mid-2025.

Conclusion

Paranthazhal Mohanan is more than just a filmmaker—he is a visionary storyteller, an educator, and a cultural innovator. With each project, he challenges conventional narratives and opens new paths for regional cinema. His story is one of creativity, courage, and community, and it’s only just beginning. For those interested in Malayalam cinema or modern Indian storytelling, Paranthazhal Mohanan is a name to remember and follow closely.