Ending a long wait, Odiyan will reach theatres on December 14. More than 200-day-long shoot taught its maker Shrikumar Menon many things, going by his words. He shared those experience with Kerala Kaumudi online and replied many other questions of contemporary relevance including Sabarimala issue.

1) When people were eagerly waiting for the release of Oidyan, suddenly that shocking news came that you fell down from escalator and sustained serious injuries. What did actually happen?

It is true that I fell down from escalator at Mumbai airport. This happened during my trip to Kochi for the post production work of Odiyan. There were three fractures in my jaw bone and all three had to be operated upon one by one.

2. Were it the hardships you had to face in life that moulded you into a strong man ready to face any adverse situations in life?

Definitely, it is bad experiences that make us tougher. It is the lessons I learnt from those difficult times that gave strength to rest part of my life. Perhaps, I got the guts to face certain challenges because of the strong wish to show others how I will live my life.

3. It is a well-known fact that you are a true believer. And, in Sabarimala issue, which side will you take?

Certainly, I’m a believer in God. There is nothing around us or within us that doesn’t have the imprint of God.

I see God as the power that gives energy to my activities. Now in the case of Sabarimala issue, my mind is with the majority. What we are going to gain from questioning centuries-old traditions and customs. I’m a person who have climbed Sabarimala 28 times.

Going to Sabarimala is not like going to any temple. It has its own rules and rituals. What has anyone to prove by overthrowing those traditions?

When ten women says they want to go to Sabarimala, majority on the other side says they don’t want to go. I’m with that majority.