It is a moment of immense pride and joy for us Malayalees, cinema lovers, and above all, the countless admirers of Padmabhushan Mohanlal. On 23rd September, at the National Film Awards 2025, he was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award—India’s highest honour in cinema. This recognition celebrates not just an actor, but a living legend who has redefined Indian cinema through his versatility, brilliance, and timeless performances. A big salute to the maestro who continues to inspire generations!

This honour instantly recalls the special occasion when Mohanlal was at St Berchmans College, Changanassery, Kerala.

In the early 2000s, we at S B College came to know that Mohanlal’s father, Mr. Vishwanathan Nair, former Law Secretary of the Kerala Government, was an alumnus of the college. Inspired by this link, we contacted him with the hope of inviting Mohanlal for a college function. His reply, however, was both witty and intriguing: “Would you let me know where my son is?” And with that humorous remark, our attempt to bring Mohanlal officially to campus ended—at least for the time being.

But destiny had other plans.

In 2008, Tomichen Mulakupadam, a producer from Changanacherry, was making a film with Mohanlal in the lead, titled Flash, directed by Siby Malayil, himself an alumnus of S B College. They approached the college for permission to shoot a scene around the iconic tower. We gladly agreed, and Tomichen, grateful for the gesture, promised to reciprocate.

As it happened, Berchnova, the annual national management meet organised by the Department of Management, coincided with the day of shooting. Tomichen requested Mohanlal to be the chief guest, and the department cleverly planned the unveiling of its new logo as part of the programme. Mohanlal, gracious as always, consented and lit up the occasion with his presence. In a private moment, I recounted our attempt to contact his father and the witty reply we received. He listened quietly, and responded with just a gentle smile.

Though Flash flopped at the box office, making the tower scene little known, Mohanlal made amends by collaborating with Tomichen Mulakupadam in his next venture. The 2016 film Pulimurugan directed by Vysakh, became a historic success—the first Malayalam film to cross ₹100 crore at the box office.

St Berchmans College proudly celebrated its 100 years of glorious existence in 2022.

Mohanlal, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019, has now, in 2025, achieved the rare distinction of becoming the youngest recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

“Excelsior, Excelsior, Excelsior!” — the chorus of the SB College anthem, resounds perfectly to mark this moment of pride and glory.

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Siby Malayil, the director of the film, later revealed why he chose St Berchmans College as a location. When the script mentioned a college tower, the very first image that came to his mind was the iconic SB tower—and for two special reasons. First, it was his alma mater, a place close to his heart. Second, he had learned from family circles that it was his grandfather, Malayil Varkey Ouseph (fondly called Kochouthachen)—a renowned exporter of fish and spices to Europe—who had imported the statue of Christ the King from Spain and donated it to the college. The film thus offered a golden opportunity to capture the statue in a rare close-up, linking history, family legacy, and cinema on one frame.