Mammootty reveals why he chose to first produce Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam under his new banner

Malayalam megastar Mammootty’s latest movie Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam hit theatres on January 19 and opened to largely positive reviews from the critics. The film marked the first collaboration between Mammootty and acclaimed filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery.

But it’s also special for the actor, as it’s the first movie to be produced by the superstar under his new banner Mammootty Kampany. In a recent interview with actor Ramesh Pisharody, the superstar revealed why he chose to do a movie such as Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, which is made on a limited budget, when he could have backed a film with a much larger scale in terms of cast and setting.

Also read: Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam review: Mammootty's film is a tranquil ode to social acceptance in uncertain times 

“As far as I am concerned, I don’t look at the magnitude of the movie when I am producing it. I want to produce movies that I like. That’s how I choose the films I act in as well. The films must satisfy me; I can’t apply any criteria beyond that. If I say that I should only back movies that people all over the world would like, then I won’t be able to do anything. When you like a script, a few more people would. So, there’s nothing small or big films, or movies that run and don’t,” said Mammootty.

Though Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam was the first movie to be produced by the banner, its first release was director Nissam Basheer’s Rorschach, which hit theatres last year and is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. The movie was also among last year’s superhits.

The actor is also funding two more films that will have him in the lead. The first of these will be Jeo Baby’s Kaathal – The Core, which wrapped up its shoot in December. The film also has Jyotika as part of its cast. Mammootty’s current movie, which is helmed by cinematographer Roby Raj Varghese, is also produced by Mammootty Kampany. The actor’s next release will be Christopher, which has him essaying the role of a cop.