Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam on OTT: Lijo Jose Pellissery on why he decided to work with Mammootty for the first time in this film

A collaboration between director Lijo Jose Pellissery and Mammootty is something that Mollywood fans as well as Malayalam film aficionados had longed to see. Several projects had been discussed between the duo over the years including Antichrist, which was stalled after it went into pre-production but Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, which is set to begin streaming soon, marked their first-ever film.

In a recent interview with the film’s production house, Lijo explained why he chose the movie, scripted by S Hareesh, to work with Mammootty, instead of a big-budget ‘mass’ entertainer such as Malaikottai Vaaliban that he is directing Mohanlal in.

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

“We had discussed two or three projects to collaborate on, a few years ago. But they didn’t materialise due to various reasons,” said Lijo, in conversation with Mammootty Kampany. “This film and character precisely required someone of Mammukka’s calibre; it needed the backing of a brilliant actor’s performance. That’s the reason I decided to approach him. After his performance, you can’t think of anyone else to play that character.”

The filmmaker also pointed out that his favourite performances of the megastar were in the films Bhoothakkannadi and Thaniyavarthanam. “During our talks, we had discussed about both these movies and I told him that’s the kind of film that I wish to do with him. After that is how we landed on this subject,” said Lijo, adding that he believes Mammootty’s portrayal of Vidyadharan in AK Lohithadas’ Bhoothakkannadi is one of the best in world cinema as he has taken care of even the minutest nuances. “Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, in that way, has him in an interesting space,” said the Jalikkattu director.

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam is set to begin streaming on Netflix from February 23. Meanwhile, Mammootty recently clarified that he will be working with Lijo in a big budget film.