Exclusive! Mammootty, B Unnikrishnan’s next big-budget entertainer was offered to Mohanlal before Aaraattu

There are so many instances where films, which Mammootty had rejected, had gone on to become career-defining ones for Mohanlal. These include Rajavinte Makan, Iruvar and Drishyam. Mohanlal too had declined the role of CBI Sethurama Iyer that is now synonymous with Mammootty, who has played the iconic role in the longest-running Malayalam franchise. In a twist of fate, another film that was first offered to Mohanlal is now being done by Mammootty.

The movie is the big budget entertainer, which will be helmed by B Unnikrishnan. Scripted by Udaykrishna, the makers had approached Mohanlal with the film two years ago, right after the first lockdown. Considering the non-possibility to do a big film that required to be shot in locations across the country, it was Mohanlal who had suggested that the film be kept on hold and that the trio work on an entertainer first. This is how Aaraattu evolved.

However, with Mohanlal getting busy with his other projects including his directorial Barroz: The Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure, Unnikrishnan and Udaykrishna approached Mammootty, who gave a go-ahead for the movie. The yet-to-be-titled movie, which is expected to go on floors in June-July this year, also has Manju Warrier and Biju Menon as part of the cast.

In an interview prior to Aaraattu’s release, Unnikrishnan told OTTplay, “I am in discussions with Mammukka. Even though it’s a mass movie, it will have fun elements and will also tell a pertinent subject. It will be a blast.”

After Aaraattu was panned for its content and making, the filmmaker is expected to make relevant changes to the story of the Mammootty-starrer to appeal to the current set of audience. Meanwhile, Mammootty is awaiting the release of Puzhu, which is helmed by debutant Ratheena and will be a direct-to-OTT release on Sony LIV on May 13.

Also read: Mohanlal drops Tinu Pappachan’s film to opt for Siddique’s entertainer?