New Delhi, Jan. 23 -- When Maheshinte Prathikaram released on 5 February 2016, it immediately sparked a discussion about its place in Malayalam cinema. Few wondered about its box office fate. Its opening weekend impact made it clear that a modern classic was born.

Director Dileesh Pothan quickly became the next big beacon of hope for Malayalam cinema. Critics compared him to KG George for his realistic filmmaking and attention to fine details. Within weeks, the tag 'Pothettan brilliance' was coined. "It's not a title I sought. People gave it to me due to their affection," Pothan says in an exclusive interview.

He went on to direct Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum and Joji, both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, just like Mah...