Actor-politician Kamal Haasan offered a deeply personal and emotional tribute to his long-time collaborator and close friend, the late playwright and comedy genius ‘Crazy’ Mohan, at an event celebrating Mohan’s legacy. Held on May 1, 2025, at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Mylapore, the occasion marked the launch of “Crazy Mohan 25,” a 25-book compilation of Mohan’s extensive works, including plays, columns, and articles.
Describing their bond as transcending mere professional collaboration, a visibly moved Kamal shared intimate memories. “I am happy we found each other. Ours is a story of two brothers born in each other’s homes,” he remarked, emphasizing the personal significance of the event. This sentiment echoed Mohan’s own words shared years ago about their evolving relationship: “When I began working with Kamal, it started off more as a professional relationship. But over the years, we grew so close that I am more like his brother now… We talk over the phone almost every day.”
Kamal elaborated on this closeness at the launch: “We would literally speak every day. If someone were to listen in on our conversations, they would think we ought to have been in an asylum. He did not mind my atheism, he accepted it.”
Their legendary creative partnership began unexpectedly. Kamal recalled being captivated by Mohan’s unique writing style early on. “We are so used to seeing tangential thinking only in the Western hemisphere. However, I got captivated with Mohan’s tangential approach in his writing in one of his plays and asked who that writer was and said ‘I want him’,” Kamal shared.
Following Mohan’s passing in 2019, Kamal had lauded his friend’s “childlike heart,” a quality he reiterated at the book launch, calling Mohan “much ahead of his times.” He felt the moniker “Crazy” didn’t fully capture his friend’s essence, suggesting “sage of comedy” might be more fitting. “The actual truth is that he reduced his various talents so he could present the common man in a funny manner,” Kamal had previously stated.
Reflecting on their innovative approach to comedy and performance, Kamal noted, “In Hollywood they say, ‘don’t act. Come and play.’ We (I and Crazy Mohan) precisely started doing it long back.” This playful synergy defined their work on numerous classic films like Apoorva Sagodharargal, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Sathi Leelavathi, Avvai Shanmugi, Kadhala Kadhala, Panchathanthiram, and Vasool Raja MBBS.
The 25-book collection, published by The Alliance Publishers marking their 125th anniversary, aims to preserve Mohan’s vast literary output. It includes plays like Allaudin and 100 Watts Bulb, Crazy Kishkindha, and compilations such as Crazy-yai Kelungal. For Kamal, this preservation was vital. “Is it friendship only if the person is alive? There is no end to the friendship. Mohan’s sense of humour will live through his fans, and I too will stand in support of that life,” he affirmed, recalling his promise made at Mohan’s farewell.
Adding to the tributes, actor Jayaram observed that despite his extensive filmography, audiences frequently recall Thenali and Panchathantiram – films notable for their Kamal-Mohan-KS Ravikumar collaboration. Director KS Ravikumar remembered Mohan as a consistently positive individual who never spoke ill of others.
Concluding his tribute, Kamal reiterated the timeless nature of their bond, referencing a poignant analogy he’d shared before: “They say relationships made at the cradle last till the grave. Our bond started at the cemetery, probably it will last until the cradle of the next birth.”
Mohan’s brother, Maadhu Balaji, publisher Alliance Srinivasan, and director SB Kanthan were also present, joining in honouring a creative force whose work continues to entertain generations.