"Mammooka sent a message asking why I didn't go"; Azeez Nedumangad on not attending Cannes

Payal Kapadia's film 'All We Imagine As Light' has become a source of pride for India among movie lovers worldwide. The film, in Hindi and Malayalam languages, narrates the story of Malayalee nurses working in Mumbai and the challenges they encounter in their personal lives. It clinched the second Cannes award, the Grand Prix.

Kani Kusruthi and Divya Prabha, who portrayed the central characters of Malayalee nurses Prabha and Anu, have brought immense pride to the Malayali community. Their presence at Cannes was a moment of great significance for all Malayalis. Kani Kusruthi's choice of a vanity bag shaped like a halved watermelon in solidarity with the Palestinian people sparked much debate and discussion.

The current social media buzz revolves around the absence of another Malayali actor who played a significant role in the movie. Azeez portrayed the character of Manoj, who is in love with Kani's character, Prabha.

Azeez revealed that many people questioned why he did not attend the Cannes Film Festival despite his crucial role. He shared that Mammookka had even sent him a message asking about his absence. He also received a call, initially mistaking it for customer care due to the conversation being in Hindi. Azeez chose not to accompany the film crew to Cannes out of concern that he might stammer if foreigners approached him in English.

He further disclosed how he managed to act in Mumbai-based Payal Kapadia's film without proficiency in Hindi or English. He portrayed the role of a newly arrived Malayalee doctor, relying on his limited knowledge of Hindi. Azeez expressed gratitude for the flood of congratulatory calls and messages he has received including stories on Instagram from figures like Prithviraj, which have brought him immense joy.

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American director Shawn Baker's 'Anora' won the Palme d'Or award for the best film at Cannes. Indian actress Anasuya Sengupta won the Best Actress award in the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes. She is recognized for her role in the Hindi film 'The Shameless' by Bulgarian director Konstantin Boshanov.