Exclusive! Deeno Dennis: Mammootty is the most apt to lead this ‘mass’ thriller made on a big scale

Almost four years ago, debutant filmmaker Deeno Dennis had announced a project with Mammootty. It was supposed to be a ‘game thriller’ – the first of its kind in Malayalam cinema. That film seemed to have been shelved with the director now set to team up in “a fresh project” with the megastar later this year.

Talking exclusively to OTTplay, Deeno, who is the son of veteran scriptwriter Kaloor Dennis, tells us that the upcoming film will be a “mass thriller” that will be made on a big budget. “It’s a big project in terms of the scale of the film. There are a lot of artistes involved, and Kochi and Bengaluru are the main locations of the movie. The film will also have a bit of travel involved,” he says.

On getting Mammootty onboard for his debut film, Deeno, who has also scripted the film, explains, “I have been working on the script of this film for the past three years. I felt Mammukka is the most apt for this movie. When I got a chance to pitch him the idea, I went to him with the complete scene order. He was excited about it as soon as he heard it.”

The movie will go on floors later this year after Mammootty completes his pending commitments that also includes another big budget ‘mass’ entertainer, helmed by B Unnikrishnan and scripted by Udaykrishna.

Cinematographer Nimish Ravi and editor Vivek Harshan have been confirmed as part of the crew, with the team also looking to rope in a music director outside the Malayalam film industry. “We are also in talks with some of the young stars in the industry to join the cast. The dates are yet to be finalised though,” he says, adding that the film will be a theatrical release.

Mammootty, meanwhile, is currently shooting for Nisam Basheer’s Rorschach.

Also read: Exclusive! Mohanlal, Mammootty will have equal space in AMMA’s film that is 'very much on': TK Rajeev Kumar