'Acted in Mersal but...faced only neglect and hardship from cinema'

Malayalam cinema and television audiences have come to know and admire KK Menon, an actor who has made a significant impact since his debut in the popular serial ‘Kudumbavilakku’. With his distinct look of gray hair and a beard, Menon has taken on both small and large roles in films, building a dedicated fan base. Recently, the actor opened up about some of the challenges and disappointments he’s encountered in his film career.

KK Menon began his acting journey at the age of 42, which, he believes, led to certain difficulties and prejudices in an industry that values seniority. Reflecting on his experience, Menon said, "Appearance has always been part of my roles. Sometimes the beard and hair color is changed depending on the character. After ten years in the industry, I opted for a makeover when I was cast in a Tamil film. The role required a negative shade, so we adjusted my look for pre-production and the photo shoot."

The actor has faced both positive and negative reactions from the public, especially regarding his roles in serials. He noted that many people mistakenly see his character as antagonistic, leading to uncomfortable encounters in public. "While out with family, people have laughed or made comments. Those who know me personally understand the real story. The acting offers I've received for films often clash with serial schedules, which is why I’ve had to turn down several film projects," he explained.

In addition to these challenges, Menon shared a particularly difficult experience while shooting for a Tamil film alongside actor Prabhudeva. "I played the role of the heroine’s father, and the shoot is still ongoing. As an artist, I've faced neglect and endured sorrowful moments. If I had started acting at a younger age, I might have laughed off some of the humiliations," he said.

"I once sat down to eat in an area designated for senior actors. The controller asked me to leave while I was eating. There are more snubs than compliments in acting," he added, advising younger artists not to be discouraged by such situations.

He described his disappointment with his role in ‘Mersal’, starring Vijay. "I was thrilled with my nine-day shoot. I was proud of my work, but when the film was released, my scenes were cut. It was a huge letdown."