Mammootty on working with KPAC Lalitha, Nedumudi Venu in Bheeshma Parvam: They still had lots to offer

Bheeshma Parvam will be a memorable entry into the annals of Malayalam cinema, not just for how Amal Neerad has paid a brilliant tribute to The Godfather and Mahabharat, and extracted the best performance out of Mammootty in recent year, but because it was also the final time that Nedumudi Venu and KPAC Lalitha shared screen space together.

The veteran actors, who are no more, play Iravipillai and Karthiyayaniamma of the Kocheri family in the movie, and share screen space with actors such as Sudev Nair, Dileesh Pothan and Mammootty.

Venu, who had been one of Mammootty’s closest friends in the industry, passed away last year, while Lalitha breathed her last in February before succumbing to a liver-related ailment. In a recent press meet, Mammootty opened up about working with the actors in Bheeshma Parvam. 

“They were people who had given life to brilliant characters. As far as we are concerned, they had done this film but should have been part of so many films in the future too. When we saw them in the film, even the trailer, we became emotional,” he said.

Mammootty and Venu had also acted together in Ratheena Sharshad’s Puzhu, which will be the megastar’s next release. The release platform of the movie, which is largely rumoured to be an OTT service, is yet to be decided.

Meanwhile, Bheeshma Parvam opened to mostly positive reviews on March 3. It was the first Malayalam film to be screened at 100% theatre occupancy this year and more shows are expected to be added over the weekend, considering the film’s reviews.

The film revolves around Michael, who is a godfather of sorts, and his family. When forces within and outside threaten their unity, Michael is forced to take extreme measures in the movie, which is set in the late 1980s.

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