How to pitch a script to Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan: Father-son duo reveal what they look for
Malayalam superstar duo Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan opened up, in separate interviews recently, about how filmmakers and writers should pitch them scripts and the factors they look at
Last Updated: 09.43 AM, Dec 02, 2025
Interested in pitching a script to Mammootty or Dulquer Salmaan, here’s your cheat sheet. This week, both superstars revealed what how filmmakers should approach them and what they look for.
In two separate interviews, the father-son duo, who also run successful production houses that have spawned hits such as Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra and Kannur Squad in recent years, explained the processes that work for them.
Dulquer Salmaan: The pitchdeck process has speeded up things
Dulquer, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, said though there are occasional interactions where people pitch him scripts and he gives them feedback, his production company mostly relies on people they have worked with in earlier films.
“If a bunch of HODs have worked with me, they would know how we operate and we might be the first choice for them to pitch their stories to,” said Dulquer, adding that he considers himself a “long-term player” and believes in nurturing talents, who in turn bring them scripts.
That said, the actor also explained that he is warming up to the idea of filmmakers now approaching actors and producers with pitchdecks. “Earlier, we had to sit through the whole narration. That’s 2-3 hours that you have to invest in. But now if you tell me the synopsis, that gives me an idea of what kind of world it is (set in) and that has speeded up things,” he explained. The Kaantha actor also added that he now prefers to work with filmmakers and writers who are open to suggestions and aren't overly protective of their scripts.
Mammootty: Don’t write a character with me in mind
His dad and superstar Mammootty, who has arguably been surprising the audience with every character he has played since the pandemic, offered deeper insights on how scriptwriters should shape their characters before approaching him.
“When you conceive the story and when you script it, never think of me for the role. When that happens, I become the character. Instead, you should focus only on the character; that’s when movies like this (Kalamkaval) will happen,” said Mammootty, while speaking to writer-actor Santi Mayadevi for a promotional interview of his upcoming release Kalamkaval.
The legendary actor also revealed how his production company picks scripts. “We choose films that other producers might not be able or interested to make with me. Movies for which we won’t be able to predict definite commercial success,” he said. “Even if it has potential to be a success, it should have something different - like Rorschach, Kannur Squad and Turbo.”
FAQs:
Q. Is Mammootty's Kalamkaval based on Cyanide Mohan?
A. Kalamkaval director Jithin K Jose told OTTplay that the movie is not based on a specific real-life incident, but draws inspirations from several crimes and incidents that has happened over the years.
Q. What is Mammootty Kampany's next film?
A. Mammootty Kampany's December 2025 release is Kalamkaval, which has Mammootty and Vinayakan in the lead.
Q. Is I'm Game produced by Dulquer Salmaan?
A. Yes, Nahas Hidayath's I'm Game is produced by Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films and has the actor also essayed its lead character.