In a thrilling piece of news for Malayalam cinema fans, megastar Mammootty is set to make a grand return to one of his most iconic and stylish avatars. After a gap of 22 long years, the actor will once again step into the shoes of the beloved character Karikkamuri Shanmughan from the 2004 film 'Black'. This announcement has sent waves of excitement across his massive fanbase, even though the actor's return is slated to be a special guest appearance rather than a full-fledged lead role.
A Much-Awaited Reunion and a New Project
The project bringing back Shanmughan marks a significant collaboration. The film is being directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Ranjith, reuniting him with Mammootty after a considerable time. According to reports from Asianet News, the movie's protagonist will be played by actor Prakash Varma, who gained recognition for his role in 'Thudarum'. The script has been penned by noted writer Udaykrishna.
This film is particularly notable as it signals Ranjith's return to directing a feature film after an eight-year hiatus. His last directorial venture was the 2018 Mohanlal-starrer 'Drama'. The cast also includes actress Abhirami in a pivotal role, alongside several newcomers, adding fresh energy to the project.
The Cult of Shanmughan: A Short but Sweet Comeback
Despite the original 'Black' not achieving expected box office numbers, the character of Karikkamuri Shanmughan, with his distinctive style and demeanor, achieved a cult status among audiences. Mammootty's portrayal left an indelible mark, making this comeback a major event.
Reports indicate that Mammootty has committed to a five-day shooting schedule for this guest role. The excitement among fans is palpable, proving that the impact of a character is not measured by screen time alone. A location still from the shoot, featuring Mammootty in the iconic Shanmughan look, has already gone viral on social media platforms, further fueling anticipation.
New Year Celebrations on the 'Patriot' Set
Meanwhile, Mammootty welcomed the New Year on the sets of his other upcoming film, the action thriller 'Patriot'. The veteran actor celebrated by cutting a cake with the film's team, including director Mahesh Narayanan and producer Anto Joseph. The shoot for 'Patriot' has recently been wrapped up.
Mammootty also shared a New Year greeting on his official Instagram, posting a photo with the caption "Happy New Year." The post was flooded with affectionate comments from fans and colleagues alike. Fans marveled at his timeless energy, with one asking, "Will anyone say this man is 74 years old?" Another called him the "Malayali concept of male beauty," while actress Prachi Tehlan commented "forever favourite." The sentiment was perfectly captured by a fan who dubbed it a "Happy Mammootty Year."
The dual developments—the return of a legendary character and the conclusion of a major film's shoot—highlight Mammootty's relentless drive and enduring star power, promising an exciting year ahead for his admirers and Malayalam cinema.
