Sandeep Pradeep was first choice to play Mohanlal’s stepson in Thudarum | Here’s why it did not happen
The makers of Mohanlal's Thudarum wanted to cast Eko star Sandeep Pradeep as stepson Pavi in the hit Malayalam film but could not because he was busy with another film, Alappuzha Gymkhana.
Last Updated: 09.42 AM, Dec 09, 2025
Young Malayalam actor Sandeep Pradeep marked his first lead role with Eko, after proving his acting prowess in supporting and secondary roles. But did you know that Sandeep Pradeep was considered to play a key role in a Mohanlal film, that too as his stepson in Thudarum? Malayalam actor Binu Pappu, who featured in both Eko and Thudarum, has now spilled the beans as to how the makers wanted to cast Sandeep in the Tharun Moorthy directorial but could not because he was busy with another film, Alappuzha Gymkhana.
Sandeep Pradeep in Thudarum?
Thudarum is Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s second release of 2025, which performed terrifically at the cinemas, thanks to a thrilling plot and some sensational performance by the lead actor. Mohanlal plays cab driver Benz Shanmugham in the film, which revolves around the incidents after his step son Pavi goes missing. In a recent chat with influencer Pearle Maaney, actor Binu Pappu revealed that Thudarum director Tharun Moorthy considered Sandeep Pradeep to play the role of Pavi.
"We wanted him to play the son's role for Thudarum. But at that time, he was getting bashed up in Alappuzha Gymkhana, so we did not get to kill him (in the movie),” quipped Binu Pappu candidly. Eventually, actor Thomas Mathew, best known for the films Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal and Aanandam, played Pavi in Thudarum, which also featured actress Shobana.
Alappuzha Gymkhana, led by another young star Naslen, is a sports comedy, which follows a bunch of failed plus-two students who enroll for boxing competition to get college admission. Sandeep Pradeep plays the Shifas ‘Valuth’, a friend of Naslen’s Jojo character.
On the other hand, Sandeep’s Eko has been performing well, and has already earned over Rs 43 crore. But the Dinjith Ayyathan directorial is now facing stiff competition from Mammootty’s latest release Kalamkaval.
Eko FAQs
Q. What is Eko movie about?
A. The Eko movie revolves around Peeyoos (played by actor Sandeep Pradeep), who takes care of an elderly woman, Mlaathi Chettathi, in a remote hilltop. The place is guarded by a pack of dogs, trained by the woman's husband Kuriachan who is now missing. The mystery behind his disappearance and the connection to the dogs are explored in the film.
Q. What is the next film of Bahul Ramesh?
A. The latest film of Bahul Ramesh is Eko, starring actor Sandeep Pradeep. Bahul is the writer and cinematographer of the 2025 Malayalam film, marking his third collaboration with director Dinjith Ayyathan after Kishkindha Kaandam and Kakshi: Amminippilla.
Q. Which is the best film of Sandeep Pradeep?
A. The best film of Sandeep Pradeep is Eko, which stars him in the lead role of Peeyoos. His other popular films include Alappuzha Gymkhana, Padakkalam and Falimy that are available for streaming on OTTplay Premium.