Dileesh Pothan — one of the rare Malayalam directors with a 100% success rate — is finally working on his next project, and for the first time, he has spoken about what audiences can expect. In the past ten years, Pothan has directed only three films: Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, and Joji. All three starred Fahadh Faasil in the lead. But his upcoming film breaks that pattern in more ways than one.
Speaking in an interview with Babu Ramachandran, Pothan revealed that he is currently developing a new idea, working on the writing with his regular collaborators. “I’m working on an idea now. When I heard the plot, I got really excited. With every story I’ve taken up, I’ve felt the plot is tremendously exciting, but also comes with a lot of challenges. This one feels the same. I’m slowly working through those challenges in the writing and pre-production stages,” he said.
Pothan confirmed that the script is being co-written by Paulson and Shyam, and that a first draft is already in place. “It’s a drama. That’s what I can say. When you make a film, the genre and all emerge through the process. But this will be an engaging one. I think it’s quite a departure from my previous films — a story with more drama in it,” he added.
Mohanlal as the Hero?
While Pothan did not explicitly name the lead actor during the interview, multiple earlier confirmations have pointed to Mohanlal stepping into the role. Producer Antony Perumbavoor first revealed the news during an X Spaces session with Mohanlal fans ahead of Drishyam 3‘s release, followed by producer Shibu Baby John confirming it in a channel interview. Shibu Baby John had also stated that an official announcement would be made in the coming days.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting that official word, but Pothan’s description of a drama-heavy, emotionally engaging story has already sparked considerable curiosity. If it indeed marks a tonal shift from the grounded, darkly humorous and minimalist style of his earlier films, this collaboration between one of Malayalam’s most respected directors and its biggest superstar could be something truly special.
Leave a Reply