Kunchacko Boban is relishing the success of his latest film Officer on Duty, which turned profitable within just three days of its release. This swift success, he believes, marks a pivotal moment in his long and diverse career. Although the actor, known affectionately as Chackochan, has acted in over 100 Malayalam films, he openly admits that he often looks back on his performances thinking he could have done better. However, his portrayal of CI Harishankar in Officer on Duty might be one of the rare instances where he feels a sense of true accomplishment, especially considering the widespread praise he has received for the role.
Reflecting on his approach to acting, Kunchacko Boban shared in an interview with Hindustan Times that continuous growth is a key part of his journey. “I’m constantly learning and honing my craft. You try to take up different movies or different characters which might not be in your league or zone, in which you have to put in extra effort and take risks, both emotionally and physically. I’m still trying to learn the trade, the basics and try out different combinations, different characters and novel ideas which come my way. I’m charged up to work in such exciting movies and willing to support new creators,” he explained.
The actor’s commitment to evolving his artistry has led him to embrace roles outside his comfort zone. He is particularly enthusiastic about venturing into characters that challenge him, not only as a performer but also as a person. According to him, roles like Harishankar are rare but rewarding, and they fuel his desire to explore further in the world of cinema.
Interestingly, despite his popularity in Malayalam cinema, Kunchacko Boban has not ventured into Tamil or Telugu films like many of his peers. When asked why, he offered a compelling explanation. “I think content-wise, the Malayalam film industry is in its golden phase right now. Other industries are actually envying us because of the kind of unique films we have been churning out – be it the quality, theme or story. Our films, even though locally rooted, are going pan-Indian and global because of their content and with OTT coming in, the language barrier is blurred too,” he said.
He added that the Malayalam industry is currently offering him some of the most exciting characters and stories, which leaves him content. However, he is not ruling out opportunities in other languages. “But I am open to other languages, especially Tamil because I want to dub for myself. If an exciting character or movie comes my way in other languages, I will give it a try. I’m waiting for that,” he added with optimism.
Throughout his 27-year journey in the film industry, Kunchacko Boban has showcased his range in a variety of roles. Films like How Old Are You?, Take Off, Traffic, Bougainvillea, Nizhal, Virus, 2018, Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Anjaam Pathiraa, Nayattu, and Ariyippu have each demonstrated different facets of his acting abilities. These performances helped him move away from his earlier ‘chocolate boy’ image and establish himself as a serious, versatile actor. Yet, the journey has not been without its setbacks.
Despite experiencing both success and failure, Chackochan maintains a pragmatic outlook on his career. He believes that mistakes are valuable lessons and that growth comes from perseverance. “Basically, no regrets,” he said when asked about any past disappointments. “I don’t analyse the negative side of my life too much, and I don’t brood over it. I always tried to find positivity in my career – when I was stuck doing formulaic films and characters, I just took a break from cinema and returned to do different kinds of roles.”
He acknowledged that many people question why he didn’t make that shift sooner, but he believes everything happened at the right time. “People ask me now why it took me so long to make that change when I could have done it long ago. But I believe this was the right time to make that attempt – if you fall, just pick yourself up and keep moving. You should always move a step forward, even if you crawl,” he said.
Kunchacko Boban also attributes his journey to a higher power and to the vision of filmmakers who have shaped his path. “I always believe in God’s plan. I’m just a tool in God’s hands and a tool in the hands of great creators in the film world,” he added, underscoring his faith in divine timing and creative collaboration.
The actor’s openness to working with fresh talent has also been a notable part of his evolution. He frequently reiterates his willingness to collaborate with new filmmakers, especially if the script and role are fresh and stimulating. “I’m open to any character, role or movie that can portray me in an unthinkable way and is beyond my imagination. I’m welcoming every director and scriptwriter – experienced or newcomer – to create enticing and exciting roles. I’m waiting for them as an actor,” Kunchacko Boban concluded.
With Officer on Duty reinforcing his credibility and reaffirming his place in the industry, Kunchacko Boban stands at a promising juncture in his career. As he continues to embrace roles that defy typecasting and encourage artistic risks, the actor is more energized than ever to contribute to the evolving narrative of Malayalam cinema. Whether exploring challenging characters, supporting new talent, or venturing into other language films, his journey forward promises to be one of creative exploration and continual reinvention.