Veteran director Priyadarshan is set to mark his 100th film with a special reunion alongside Mohanlal. This musical drama, focusing on Carnatic singers, will explore father-son conflicts. Despite the musical theme, Mohanlal will not be singing, a decision Priyadarshan explained is due to the film’s demanding classical singing requirements. Shooting is slated to begin in November.
Priyadarshan’s upcoming project marks his 100th directorial venture, made more special because the veteran director is teaming up with Mohanlal after a long gap. The director of ‘Bhoot Bangla’ shared a key creative decision about his landmark 100th film with Mohanlal.
The director revealed in an interview that Mohanlal will not be singing in the film, despite the project centering on music.
100th film milestone: Reunion with Mohanlal
Mohanlal and Priyadarshan’s film is designed as a musical drama focusing on a father and son who are both Carnatic singers. It will explore their personal and professional conflicts, shaped by differing artistic perspectives and emotional complexities.
Mohanlal singing decision: Priyadarshan explains reason
Speaking about the film in an interaction with Mid Day, Priyadarshan explained his approach to the musical elements.“I will start my film with Mohanlal sir in November. It’s a complicated film because it’s a musical and will take me a lot of time to put together,”He further clarified his decision regarding Mohanlal’s singing in the film: “It’s a commercial entertainer with action, 12 songs, and a family drama at its heart. Both are Carnatic singers, and I would want the father to be a newcomer, an elderly person with a background in Carnatic and Hindustani music, and Kathakali.
Usually Kathakali performers are actors and singers. It’s a challenge to cast the father. If SP Balasubrahmanyam was alive, I would have requested him to play the father’s role.
Mohanlal sir sings very well. He has sung for movies before, but I won’t make him sing in this film as it involves classical singing on a high.”
Shoot timeline of Priyadarshan’s 100th film
Reports indicate that the film is expected to begin shooting toward the end of the year. Both Priyadarshan and Mohanlal are currently engaged in other projects before starting this film.
Priyadarshan’s Bollywood movie ‘Bhoot Bangla’ has hit the big screens wit decent reviews and Mohanlal will be teaming up with Mammootty for ‘Patriot’ which will release on May 1.
‘Bhooth Bangla’ update: Box office performance
Meanwhile, Priyadarshan’s latest release ‘Bhooth Bangla,’ opened as expected at the box office.The film stars Akshay Kumar in the lead and earned a net collection of Rs 12.25 crore, with paid previews contributing Rs 3.5 crore as per Sacnilk reports.The total net collection stands at Rs 15.75 crore, while the gross collection is approximately Rs 18.90 crore. Globally, the horror comedy film has collected around Rs 23.90 crore.
