Kamal Haasan walked out of the Tamil remake of popular Malayalam movie? Senior director recounts what happened
Did you know Kamal Haasan backed out of the Tamil remake of the popular Malayalam film Ammayane Sathyam? The film starring Mukesh and Annie was directed by Balachandra Menon.
Last Updated: 01.16 PM, Mar 15, 2026
Iconic actor Kamal Haasan enjoys a huge popularity not just in Tamil Nadu, but in Kerala too. The actor, who has been in the cinema industry for five decades, has always been an ardent supporter of Malayalam cinema as well. But did you know Kamal Haasan backed out of the Tamil remake of the popular Malayalam film Ammayane Sathyam? Senior actor-filmmaker Balachandra Menon made the remarks during a recent interview with Can Channel Media.
Kamal Haasan walked out of Ammayane Sathyam remake?
Ammayane Sathyam is a 1993 Malayalam movie, which was directed by Balachandra Menon. After a significant success in Malayalam, plans were underway to remake the film in Tamil with Kamal Haasan in the lead. Even the pooja ceremony was held for the movie titled Kanden Seethaiyai, followed by 10 days of shoot.
"We shot for the movie in Ernakulam for 10 days. At that time, Crazy Mohan, along with 3-4 people, came to the set. They see Kamal Haasan acting alongside a girl who is acting as a boy. Then a discussion happens - “But isn't she the one scoring, why can't you do it?” That kind of thought came up. The extension of that thought is Avvai Shanmugi,” the director claimed. When asked if he was given any reason for this, Balachandra Menon said, “He doesn’t have any such sentiments.”
Ammayane Sathyam starred Mukesh and Annie, with the actress appearing as a young boy working at the house of three bachelors. The film is still popular for its comedy.
Avvai Shanmugi, on the other hand, is a Tamil comedy film which was released in 1996. The film is said to be inspired by the Hollywood comedy Mrs. Doubtfire Avvai Shanmugi is streaming on Prime Video and OTTplay Premium subscribers can also watch the Kamal Haasan film via a top-up option.
Meanwhile, Balachandra Menon will be next seen in a key role in the upcoming Malayalam movie, Prathichaya, starring Nivin Pauly. The film is yet to announce a release date.