Writer-director Shahi Kabir has confirmed that he is developing a new film with Mohanlal, though the project is still at the scripting stage. During the promotions of Kunchacko Boban‘s upcoming psychological thriller ‘Unmadham’, the filmmaker opened up about his early discussions with the superstar and revealed how Mohanlal’s feedback influenced the way he approached the story.
Mohanlal encouraged a simpler narrative
Speaking to Reporter TV, Shahi explained that he had only pitched the central idea of the film to Mohanlal and is yet to present the complete screenplay.He said, “Actually, I had narrated a story to Lalettan. I haven’t presented the complete story yet. I had only shared the core idea. That’s how all my films have been so far. I wrote ‘Joseph’ after pitching an idea. Similarly, I narrated a story to him on the sets of ‘Patriot’. He liked the idea. I was narrating it in a more complicated way, and he asked me, ‘Can’t you write it in a straightforward manner?’ So I started writing it that way. There’s a certain tension in it. Whenever I write for Lalettan, I end up rewriting it, hoping it doesn’t get rejected. That story is still there. I haven’t been able to present it yet. We’re still going through that process.”
Mohanlal draws interest from new-Generation Filmmakers
Shahi is among several contemporary Malayalam filmmakers eager to collaborate with Mohanlal. Director Dileesh Pothan is preparing to direct the veteran actor in ‘Nedumkandam Miracle’, which is expected to begin production later this year. National Award-winning filmmaker Krishand has also confirmed that he is working on a project featuring Mohanlal.
Busy schedule for both Mohanlal and Shahi
Mohanlal is currently filming ‘Athimanoharam’, reuniting with ‘Thudarum’ director Tharun Moorthy. Meanwhile, Shahi is awaiting the release of ‘Unmadham’, directed by debutant Kiran Das. Slated to arrive in cinemas on July 31, the psychological thriller stars Kunchacko Boban as a police constable investigating a cold case with supernatural elements. The film marks Shahi’s third collaboration with the actor after ‘Nayattu’ and ‘Officer on Duty’.
From police officer to acclaimed filmmaker
Before entering the film industry, Shahi Kabir served as a police officer, an experience that has significantly shaped his storytelling. He first earned widespread recognition as the writer of ‘Joseph’ before making his directorial debut with ‘Ela Veezha Poonchira’. He later directed ‘Ronth’, further establishing himself as a filmmaker known for grounded, police-centric narratives.
