Mohanlal’s upcoming film with director Anoop Sathyan, tentatively titled "L368", was launched with a traditional pooja ceremony at the Grand Hyatt in Kochi on Friday. The yet-to-be-titled project brings together the Malayalam superstar and the filmmaker, who is returning to direction after his 2020 debut Varane Avashyamund. The film is expected to begin shooting in November, with a Vishu 2027 release being targeted.
One of the most interesting aspects of the project is its genre. Anoop has described the film as a quirky comedy-action thriller with an emotional core, indicating that it will be different from the storytelling style associated with his father, veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad.
The pooja ceremony was attended by Sathyan Anthikad, who spoke about his son's admiration for Mohanlal. He said that Anoop is a big fan of the actor and that getting an opportunity to direct his favourite star is a significant achievement for a filmmaker.
For Anoop, the project represents a major step forward in his career, as he takes charge of a film featuring one of Malayalam cinema's biggest stars.
Mohanlal and Mukesh reunite
The film will also feature veteran actor Mukesh in a key role, bringing him together with Mohanlal once again. The two actors have shared memorable screen space in several popular Malayalam films, particularly in the comedy entertainers directed by Priyadarshan.
Their collaborations in films such as Boeing Boeing, Vandanam and Kakkakuyil remain popular among audiences. Anoop has indicated that the new film will explore a different side of their comic chemistry, making their reunion one of its major attractions.
Mukesh confirmed his association with the project in September, although details about his character have not been revealed. While the makers have kept the storyline under wraps, the combination of comedy, action, suspense and emotion suggests that the film will attempt to bring multiple genres together.
Mohanlal at the muhurtha of L368; his film with Anoop Sathyan
Anoop Sathyan takes a different route
Anoop made his directorial debut with Varane Avashyamund, a romantic comedy featuring Dulquer Salmaan, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Suresh Gopi and Shobana. Released in 2020, the film explored relationships and family dynamics through an ensemble narrative. His collaboration with Mohanlal, however, appears to be a departure from that approach.
Anoop had described the project as a deliberate attempt to move away from the familiar Anthikad style. He also revealed that Mohanlal responded positively to the script after it was narrated to him, helping the project move forward quickly. The director has said that emotion will remain an important element of his storytelling, even as he experiments with a blend of comedy, action and thriller elements.
Notable technical team
L368 also brings together an experienced technical crew. Shehnad Jalal, known for his cinematography in Bramayugam, is associated with the project as cinematographer. Production designer Prashanth Madhav, who worked on Aadujeevitham", is also part of the team. Jakes Bejoy, whose recent Malayalam film work includes Thudarum, will compose the music. Anoop Sathyan is handling the writing and direction and is also expected to take charge of the editing.
The film is produced by Binu George Alexander in association with Aashirvad Cinemas, the production banner associated with producer Antony Perumbavoor. With the pooja ceremony completed, the project is preparing to enter production. Although the makers have not officially revealed the final title or the complete cast, the film has already attracted attention because of its unusual genre combination and the reunion of Mohanlal and Mukesh.
A Vishu 2027 release is being targeted, which could position the film for one of Kerala's important festive box-office seasons. Further announcements regarding the title, plot and additional cast members are awaited.
