Amidst protests in Kerala against the stand he took as the new president of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors), the teaser of Mohanlal’s new movie, Drama, was released on social media at 10 a.m. today, June 30. Specifically, on Mohanlal’s Facebook page.
The teaser shows Mohanlal, suited up and ready for work, stepping out of his obviously expensive home, walking in slo-mo in what seems like a hurry (yeah…) past a red Merc and flinging his satchel into another Merc, this time a convertible, after which he himself follows. The catchy tune in the background and his perfectly-shod feet clicking in the air hint at simple and unbridled cheer.
Directed by Ranjith, the film is an entertainer centered on Malayalis settled in London, and features an ensemble cast of Kaniha, Asha Sharath, Arundhathi Nag, Shyamaprasad, Dileesh Pothen, Siddique, Subi Suresh, Shalin Zoya, Tini Tom, Baiju, Mythili and Johny Antony. The film’s shooting was reportedly completed a few days ago. Drama is jointly produced by MK Nassar and Maha Subair. It has veteran director of photography Azhagappan N (of Chanthupottu and Pattampole fame) as the cinematographer, and Vinu Thomas as music director.
Late last year, it was known that Ranjith would be making a London-set drama, Bilathi Kadha (London Story) with Anu Sithara and Niranjan playing the lead, with Mammootty playing a pivotal role. However, in January this year, the project was modified, with Mohanlal being brought on board and title changed to Drama. In an interview with the Times Of India in September 2017, Ranjith had said, “It is a cheerful, simple movie that is set in the UK. Niranjan plays an illegal immigrant and Anu’s character is employed in London.”
Mohanlal’s next theatrical release is the thriller Neerali, directed by Ajoy Varma. It is set to release on July 12. Odiyan, an epic-fantasy drama in which he plays the titular role, is in post-production stage.
Interestingly, the seeming quirkiness and devil-may-care nature of Mohanlal’s character in the teaser stands in contrast to the actor’s conduct post the recent AMMA meeting. Despite strong protests against him and AMMA for reinstating Dileep, who is facing a court case for conspiring to rape an actress, Mohanlal has not responded to the issue. Meanwhile Dool News, a Malayalam news website, has reported that the actor’s fan association, which is one of the biggest in South India, held a meeting in Kochi on Friday to launch a campaign for the actor.
Watch the teaser here: