Mammootty on Bheeshma Parvam: I have tried to portray Michael as different as possible from Bilal in Big B

Fan theories have been rife about the plot of Mammootty and Amal Neerad's Bheeshma Parvam since its title announcement last year, with many claiming it to be inspired from the epic Mahabharata. This further picked up speed after the trailer dropped subtle hints about the storyline of the film, which is set to release on March 3.

In a press meet held on Monday ahead of the film's release, Mammootty revealed the similarities between the two. "It would be difficult to make a film with a story that isn't mentioned in Mahabharat. To that extent, this film will also have some elements from the epic, but it's not just limited to it. There are so many other incidents that one would relate to from things that have happened in the past too," said the megastar.

Mammootty plays Michael in the movie, which is a gangster thriller revolving around a few families. When asked if he has used the Kochi slang for the film, he said, "I haven't deliberately tried to use a specific dialect for the character. The movie is set in 1986 and so there are certain changes in terms of its writing and dialogues. However, we aren't placing it in Kochi or Mattanchery," said the actor.

On the parallels between Michael and Bilal, the gangster character Mammootty played in his previous Amal Neerad directorial Big B back in 2007, the megastar said, "I have consciously tried to play Michael to make him as different as possible from Bilal."

Mammootty was also all praise for Amal Neerad for his work in the film. Though the actor said a lot of work has gone into the movie, he said the team doesn't have any tall claims.

"When people who are deeply passionate about cinema, it shows in their craft. Amal is such a filmmaker," Mammootty said. Bheeshma Parvam also has Soubin Shahir, Dileesh Pothan, Veena Nandakumar, Shine Tom Chacko, Farhaan Faasil, Jinu Joseph and Nadiya Moidu in pivotal roles.