He has appeared in more than 100 films within the Malayalam film industry and remains committed to exploring diverse roles that enable him to delve deeper into his craft as an actor. Kunchacko Boban, affectionately known as Chackochan, expresses satisfaction with his current accomplishments, noting that he never meticulously planned his career and continues to embrace spontaneity. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Kunchacko Boban discusses his recent success with the film Officer on Duty, his professional journey, and other topics.

You had said you came into films by accident but today you are known for your talent and experimentation. Are you happy you became an actor now?

I’m I take great pride in being an actor, especially considering my family's longstanding legacy in the Malayalam film industry, which began in 1949. My grandfather established Udaya Pictures, the first film studio in Kerala, in 1946, and my father was involved in the industry as a child actor, producer, and director. However, during my childhood, my family faced significant challenges due to a series of unsuccessful films and financial difficulties.

At that time, I harbored resentment towards the film industry, attributing our struggles to it. However, life took a different turn, and I now find myself as both an actor and a producer. When I started my acting career, I lacked a clear plan, and that remains true today. Initially, I was typecast as a "chocolate hero" and a romantic lead due to the success of certain films, and that label has persisted. Nevertheless, I have made a conscious effort to pursue diverse roles that test my abilities. With my recent project, Officer on Duty, I feel that this label has been shed, which is significant for my growth as an actor moving forward.

Your latest film Officer on Duty is a big hit and you’re being appreciated. Does the box office matter to you at all?

Of Certainly, box office performance is significant. It would be disingenuous to claim otherwise. Filmmakers create movies with the intention of engaging an audience, not merely for personal viewing. When producing a film for theatrical release, the goal is to attract viewers to the cinemas, where they can enjoy, appreciate, and be entertained by the work. Experiencing sold-out screenings is exhilarating and is a key motivation for us.

As someone in the entertainment industry, audience feedback is crucial. While awards hold value, I place greater importance on the audience's acceptance. The success of "Officer on Duty" in both theaters and on streaming platforms like Netflix is particularly meaningful to me.

Do you think there is too much focus on box office now in the Indian film industry or it is very important?

Yes,  This is one aspect that has been excessively highlighted and has gained significant attention recently. I believe that box office revenue should not be the primary focus. What truly matters is whether a film resonates with its audience and has the potential to effect positive change in society. Box office figures are merely an added benefit. If movies are promoted solely based on their financial success, cinema risks being reduced to a mere commercial enterprise. Cinema is not just a business; it is also a form of art. The entertainment value provided by various genres is far more significant than box office earnings.

There are so many cop thrillers in Malayalam so what made you sign on this role in Officer on Duty?

“There  There was a time in my career when the idea of taking on a police role seemed far-fetched due to the romantic or campus hero image I had cultivated. After taking a hiatus from the film industry, I returned to pursue character-driven roles and began to choose a wider variety of films. This shift allowed me to land parts that many had previously doubted I could portray. The concept of me playing a police officer was particularly hard for people to envision. My first role as a cop came in 2016 with the film School Bus.

Subsequently, I appeared in Anjaam Pathira and Nayattu. In Officer on Duty, I portray Harishankar, a cop character that stands out in Malayalam cinema. Harishankar grapples with personal trauma while embodying the traits of an arrogant police officer. He exhibits chauvinistic tendencies yet possesses an emotional vulnerability. Intellectually astute, he often acts outside the bounds of political correctness, reflecting a societal desire for a hero that resonates with current realities. This complexity was invigorating for me while portraying Harishankar. While many aspire to play police roles, I consciously chose to avoid the conventional cop archetype. Thus, all the roles I have taken on as a police officer are distinctly unique.

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