Wearing a mask has become the new normal in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic times. People across the nation are coming up with innovative ideas to make customised masks. The latest addition to this list are masks with photos of Malayalam actors.

People in Kerala celebrated superstar Mohanlal’s 60th birthday on May 22 by wearing masks with his photo. Masks of superstar Mammootty were also quite a rage during the lockdown.

Having the face of South Indian film stars on the mask is an extension of a trend started by a 38-year-old photographer from Ettumanoor in Kottayam.

The photographer hit the headlines in May after he started selling masks with people’s faces on them.

The photographer said that with people wearing masks, it is becoming difficult to recognise them so he decided to print faces on them, making identification of a person easier. The masks are made using the technology of sublimation printing, like the one used to print photos on t-shirts.

The price of these masks vary from Rs 15-150. Many corporations are ordering masks with the company name and logo. Other than superstar masks, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state Health Minister KK Shailaja are also popular among people.

Some masks manufacturers are printing photos of health workers to show their gratitude for their selfless services.

In the football-crazy Malabar region, the flags of international football clubs are being printed on the masks.

Designer Sreejith Jeevan has come out with masks made from fabrics from the traditional Chenamangalam weavers.

For Onam festivities, people posted pictures in a variety of masks on social media, a few made with handloom material with zari border, the traditional attire of Malayalees.