Jayaram, Suresh Gopi, Manju Warrier to return in Summer in Bethlehem’s sequel, confirms producer Siyad Kokker

Director Sibi Malayil’s Summer in Bethlehem is special for a lot of Malayalam movie fans. The film, which released in 1998, went head-to-head to the most-anticipated movie of that year – Harikrishnans, starring Mohanlal and Mammootty, and was the more acclaimed of the two.

Summer in Bethlehem wasn’t lacking in star power either as it had the next best two stars of the time – Suresh Gopi and Jayaram - along with leading lady Manju Warrier, and a script penned by Ranjith to go with a cameo by Mohanlal. Now, 22 years after the film’s release, its producer Siyad Kokker has confirmed plans of a sequel that could go on floors as early as this year’s end.

Speaking at the audio launch of Jayasurya and Manju Warrier-starrer Meri Awas Suno, Kokker said that the plans are afoot for the film’s sequel with Manju set to reprise her role. In a recent interview with Kochi Times, the producer also confirmed that both Jayaram and Suresh Gopi too will be returning for the sequel, which wouldn’t be a continuation of the storyline of the first movie, which is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.

Currently, Sibi Malayil is in discussions with the producer about the story of the film and the work on the script could begin as soon as they lock the content. Kokker also revealed that the sequel too will be shot in the same location in Ooty where the first one was based. Furthermore, other characters from the original will also be appearing in cameos in the second film along with new actors.

As soon as the news of the sequel got out, fans were quick to point out that the late actor Kalabhavan Mani, who played a huge part in elevating the comedy of the film, will be sorely missed. Kokker also addressed this in the Kochi Times interview, saying that they are discussing how they can compensate for his absence.

Meanwhile, Sibi Malayil, who recently helmed Asif Ali’s Koththu, is also planning the sequel of Mohanlal’s Dasaratham.

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