Jeethu Joseph on Asif Ali’s Mirage: It was meant to be a Hindi film, but…

Drishyam maker Jeethu Joseph’s next release is Mirage, a Malayalam film that is not based on something he’s written. Starring Kishkindha Kaandam stars Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali in the lead, Mirage’s story is by Aparna R Tarakad, which Jeethu helped develop the screenplay for along with Srinivasan Abrol. The film, which is set to release on September 19, was, incidentally, not meant to be a Malayalam movie.

Mirage is a female-centric film

In a conversation with Galatta Plus, Jeethu revealed that he was approached to direct Mirage as a Hindi film. “I was approached 4-5 years ago to make the film in Hindi, but I was very sure that none of the Bollywood actors would do it. Mirage is female-centric film, which also needs a hero to support her. Who will do that in Bollywood? We approached many, and none of them were ready to do it,” reveals the filmmaker.

Also read: Mohanlal's Drishyam 3: Jeethu Joseph reveals how they prevented Ajay Devgn-starrer’s team from making an early start

Eventually, Jeethu took the subject to Asif and told him that the protagonist of the film is the heroine. Aparna had been signed on for the role. “The good thing about Asif is that he’s a daring actor. He’s not bothered about anything as long as there is anything to perform. He wanted to know the screen space of the character, and once I told him, he said he was okay to do the role,” he adds.

Mirage, the filmmaker explains, is an eventful thriller in which a lot of things happen. “Aparna’s character is on a journey seeking certain answers, but then gets into some trouble. Asif then joins her in this mission, because both of them have the same purpose. A third person also joins in and together they seek answers,” says Jeethu.

Up next, the director has a film called Valathu Vashathe Kallan, which is also an emotional thriller, written by Koodasha maker Dinu Thomas Eelan. And then comes Drishyam 3, the third instalment in his own thriller series starring Mohanlal in the lead, which goes on floors in October.

FAQs

Q. How many movies has Jeethu Joseph directed?

Jeethu Joseph has directed over 18 films, including Drishyam, 12th Man, Neru, and My Boss, among others.

Q. Is there going to be Drishyam 3?

Yes, Drishyam 3 is happening, Jeethu Joseph and Mohanlal had confirmed.

Q. Is the Drishyam 3 shooting started?

Drishyam 3 shooting will start in October 2025.

Q. Is Drishyam 3 cast?

Drishyam 3 cast includes actors Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil