Mammootty recently took to his official social media handle to announce his next film after the success of Kalamkaval. The veteran actor will be joining hands with filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, marking a reunion after several decades.
However, after initial rumors that Nayanthara was a part of the project, it now appears that another Malayalam actress is playing the co-lead role, marking her second collaboration with Mamukka.
Not Nayanthara but this Malayalam actress will be the headline of Mammootty’s padayatra?
In a series of images released by the production house, actress Grace Antony is seen with Mamukka on the sets, indicating that she is likely to lead the project with the Bazooka star.
Sharing the official photos, the makers wrote, “Padayatra shooting begins today!!”
For those unaware, Grace Antony previously starred opposite Mammootty in the psychological mystery thriller Rorschach. The film, directed by Nisam Bashir, had the actress playing the role of Sujatha, who was used as a pawn by Mamukka’s character, Luke Antony, to torment the spirit of her ex-husband Dilip.
Earlier, several rumors had indicated that Nayanthara was in talks to star as the co-lead in Padayatra. However, now it appears that the actress has left the role.
Interestingly, Mammootty and director Adoor Gopalakrishnan had previously worked together in three films between 1987 and 1993. Their first film together was Ananthram, in which the veteran star played a pivotal role, followed by Mathilukal and Vidheyan, both of which had him in the lead role.
Mammootty’s work front
Mammootty was last seen in the lead role in Kalamkaval directed by debutant Jithin K Jose. The crime thriller featured the actor as the main antagonist, while Vinayakan played the protagonist.
Looking ahead, the veteran star will next be seen in the lead role in Patriot. Directed by Take Off director Mahesh Narayanan, the espionage action drama features Mohanlal in an extended role, marking the veterans of Malayalam cinema sharing screen space once again.
The film also stars Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathi, Darshan Rajendran and others in lead roles. Although an official release date has not been announced yet, the film is expected to be released in theaters this summer.
Additionally, Mammootty also has a project with Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimayil director Nithish Sahadev.
