Dulquer Salmaan rejected Tovino Thomas' hit Malayalam film Thallumaala?

Pennum Porattum's film producer Santhosh T Kuruvilla reveals Thallumaala was written for Dulquer Salmaan but how it later changed hands and added another hit to Tovino Thomas’s filmography.

Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas in Thallumaala

Dulquer Salmaan is busy with the final leg of his upcoming film, I’m Game which would mark his return to Malayalam cinema two years after the lacklustre outing of King of Kotha in 2023. But did you know that the Malayalam star was offered the movie Thallumaala, which he turned down and eventually went to Tovino Thomas? Here’s what film producer Santhosh T Kuruvilla said about how Thallumaala changed hands and added another hit to Tovino’s filmography.

Why did Dulquer Salmaan rejected Thallumaala

Thallumaala is a 2022 Malayalam movie, which starred Tovino Thomas in the lead role and was helmed by filmmaker Khalid Rahman. In a recent interview with Movie World Media, producer Santhosh T Kuruvilla said that his production company was initially behind Thallumaala.

“We got that story written for Dulquer Salmaan. We arranged for the room at the Bolgatty Palace (in Kochi) to write the story. But when the story was completed, Dulquer did not like it and the director bought the story from us. That’s how Tovino became a part of the film,” recounted Santhosh, who has backed the recent Malayalam film Pennum Porattum.

Thalumaala featured Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead role, and if DQ had agreed to the film, it would have marked yet another collaboration between the stars. Dulquer and Kalyani acted together on Varane Avashyamundu and collaborated on the blockbuster film Lokah with DQ as the producer. Incidentally, Lokah also featured Tovino Thomas in a cameo role. The teaser of the second part of Lokah featured both Tovino and Dulquer.

What is Thallumaala about

Thalumaala stars Tovino in the lead role of the carefree youth Wazir who often gets into fights or squabbles. The film also depicts his relationship with vlogger Beepathu (Kalyani). The film became popular among the youngsters for its stylish making, catchy music and cool action choreography. Thalumaala was also a winner at the box office.

On the other hand, Pennum Porattum marks the first directorial venture of actor Rajesh Madhavan. The film, a social commentary, has opened to positive reviews.

Also read: 6 latest OTT releases in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada to watch in 3rd week of February 2026

Dulquer Salmaan movie FAQs

Q. Which is Dulquer Salmaan's new movie?

A. Dulquer Salmaan's new movie is I'm Game, which will release in theatres for Onam 2026

Q. Which movie has Dulquer Salmaan and Tovino Thomas?

A. Both Dulquer Salmaan and Tovino Thomas made cameo appearances in the movie, Lokah starring Kalyani Priyadarshan.

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