Exclusive! Basil Joseph and Arjun Ashokan’s comedy-entertainer Janeman to get Hindi, Tamil and Telugu remakes

The entertainer, directed by Chidambaram, was this year’s surprise hit in Malayalam

Janeman poster

In less than a month after it’s theatrical release, the rights of debutant director Chidambaram’s Janeman have been snapped up by producers across industries. This is no surprise, given the film is an out-and-out entertainer that emerged as a superhit even as it released in theatres between two big films – Kurup and Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham.

Arjun Ashokan, who played the character of Sampath in the movie, confirmed to OTTplay that the film’s remake rights in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi were sold within a month of its release. “That was really good news for us. It’s a movie that we friends had made together. It’s success delighted us, especially with the movie getting more screens as the weeks progressed,” said the actor.

The film, which is a multi-starrer, revolves around a lonely nurse, played by Basil Joseph, who returns to Kerala from Canada to celebrate his birthday with his friends. However, just before the birthday bash, a neighbour passes away. The story then progresses as characters partake in two diametrically events – a birthday party and a funeral – right opposite to each other.

The comedy entertainer marked the debut directorial of Chidambaram, who had earlier assisted filmmakers such as Rajeev Ravi and cinematographer KU Mohanan. The movie also stars Chidambaram’s brother Ganapathy, Balu Varghese, Lal, Siddharth Menon, Riya Saira and Abhiram Poduval in pivotal roles.

In a recent interview with OTTplay, Arjun also talked about the camaraderie between the team and how that reflected on screen. The actor mentioned that the group often hangs out together and all they talk about when they are together is about cinema. “This is why we shared the energy level and enthusiasm in Janeman,” said the actor, who is currently shooting for Trishanku that has Anna Ben as the female protagonist.

Read the entire interview: Exclusive! Arjun Ashokan on Ajagajantharam: I had my doubts on how someone so scrawny could be a villain

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