Malayalam cinema has produced several legends over the decades, some of whom rank among India’s finest in their respective domains. From iconic directors and actors to extraordinary composers, playback singers, cinematographers, editors, and production designers, the industry has often proven itself an ideal breeding ground for exceptional talents. Among them are a few who started their journeys hand in hand, ascending from the trenches to the throne together. Fazil and Nedumudi Venu are two such people who rose together, eventually becoming legends in Malayalam cinema. While Fazil emerged as one of the greatest writer-directors of all time in the industry, Nedumudi Venu went on to become one of the finest actors Malayalam has ever produced, with both earning nationwide acclaim and recognition in other industries as well. Interestingly, all of this started at SD College in Alappuzha, Kerala, where their friendship blossomed while they were pursuing their undergraduate studies. Only in SCREEN | Salim Kumar (1969-2026): The screen titan who knew the jokes, and whom the jokes knew A friendship born in the corridors of …