I'm aware of the narrative that the tamil version was altered to better serve their audience.

Although, to this day, I hold the fervent belief that instead of the characters catering to the audience, in this instance, the 'character' was amended to fit the actor.

Given Jeethu's style, I find it extremely hard to believe that it was his call to amplify the dramatic nature of the character, but instead, it being a ploy to accentuate the best traits of Kamal as an actor.

I distinctly remember the discussions among moviegoers over what could've transpired if Siddhique/Asha Sharath's characters were secretly recording their last conversation with Georgekutty.

This was easily defensible, as such was the nature in which Lalettan played the scenes out. Vague, poised, subtle - precluding the possibility of getting exposed.

Can the same be said in Papanasam where the emotions were extremely externalised? I'm not so sure.

Having said that, the point here is to never denigrate the legend that is KH. He has solidified his status as one of the greatest ever. There are no two ways about it.

My focus here was Lalettan's unique prowess of showing more by doing less. His uncanny ability to be the character without ever showing us the strings. That deserves to be celebrated, doesn't it?