All we know about Netflix’s Malayalam anthology on MT Vasudevan Nair’s stories

Netflix seems to be focusing on anthologies of regional languages to extend its reach by way of its ensemble cast and crew. After Pitta Kathalu in Telugu and Paava Kadhaigal and the upcoming Navarasa in Tamil, the OTT streamer is gearing up for a Malayalam anthology based on legendary writer MT Vasudevan Nair’s short stories. Here’s all we know about the upcoming anthology:

Eight segments, eight directors

The anthology will feature eight segments, each directed by a different filmmaker. Right now, we know that Santosh Sivan has been confirmed to helm one segment and Priyadarshan has also been approached and almost finalised. The other six filmmakers are expected to be revealed soon.

MT Vasudevan Nair wants to work with new directors

While an MT-Hariharan combo would make for a nostalgic pairing once again, chances for this happening in the anthology is slim. According to a source associated with the project, the author is keen to work with filmmakers who haven’t directed his script before. We hear that the name of director Venu, who had helmed Fahadh Faasil’s Carbon, was initially floated but MT turned it down, saying that he had already worked on his script for Daya.  

Project could be a 2021 release

While none of the segments have reportedly gone on floors, we hear that Santosh could begin work on his episode as early as July, depending on the pandemic situation. With each vignetted being around 40 minutes long, work is expected to take a maximum of 15 days per episode. This could mean that the anthology could release this year itself. Netflix already has Ray, based on Satyajit Ray’s stories slotted for July, and Mani Ratnam’s Navarasa, which has nine segments, scheduled for August.

Audience can expect a star-studded cast

If Netflix is following the same strategy they employed for Ray, Navarasa and Paava Kadhaigal, the upcoming Malayalam anthology too would have a stellar star cast. Right now, only actor Siddique has been announced as the lead in Santosh’s film.