The Hunt director Shaji Kailas reminisces about Suresh Gopi's hit film Thalasthanam

The Hunt, helmed by Shaji Kailas, has Bhavana in the lead role

Stills of Renji Panicker, Shaji Kailas and Suresh Gopi

Shaji Kailas is an expert craftsman when it comes to mass-action films. The director, who has worked with almost every big star in the Malayalam industry, recently marked 31 years since the release of his film Thalasthanam.

Taking to social media to celebrate the milestone, he expressed his gratitude to actor Renji Panicker, who has played a significant role in his career. Shaji also spoke about the brotherly connection that he has with actor Suresh Gopi.

Shaji Kailas made his directorial debut with the 1991 film News, which starred Suresh Gopi. The film received critical acclaim, and the duo went on to collaborate for the second time in the film Thalasthanam, which was a blockbuster.

The film marked a significant milestone in Suresh Gopi's career, as it established him as a reliable and successful lead actor. His portrayal of an honest police officer caught in the midst of corruption and power struggles was lauded by many.

Thalasthanam is widely recognised as Shaji Kailas' first in a range of mass films by him and Renji Panicker. The film dealt with themes of student politics and the nexus between politicians, police, and criminals.

Shaji Kailas is currently busy with the shoot of his next, The Hunt, which has Bhavana in the lead role. The teaser for the horror thriller sees Bhavana donning a doctor’s robe and investigating a crime scene. She finds herself caught in scary situations that have her screaming in fear.

Written by Nikhil Anand, Jackson Johnson is the cinematographer, while Ajas Pukkadan is the editor.

This is Bhavana’s second film after her comeback to Malayalam films, after Sharafudeen’s Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnnu

Shaji's previous theatrical releases, Kaduva and Kappa, had a good run at theatres, with Kaduva grossing over Rs 50 crore and becoming the third-highest Malayalam grosser of 2022.

The director started 2023 with the OTT release of the Mohanlal starrer Alone, which failed to impress.

Share