Rekhachithram is happening now because of Mammootty’s The Priest, Asif Ali explains why

For his very first movie, Jofin T Chacko directed Malayalam’s megastar Mammootty in The Priest which was released in 2021. Almost four years later, the director is back with Rekhachithram, starring Asif Ali along with Anaswara Rajan. However, in a recent interview, it was revealed that the filmmaker in fact planned to make Rekhachithram as his first project. Asif Ali explains why Rekhachithram is happening now and how Mammootty-starrer The Priest helped pave the way.

Asif Ali on Rekhachithram

During an interview with Club FM, the interviewer pointed out that Rekhachithram was Jofin T Chacko’s first dream but The Priest with Mammootty was made first.

It was Rekhachithram’s leading man Asif Ali, who gave an explanation, stating that this was the right course of action.

“When I first heard Rekhachithram's story, I first asked how this movie would even happen. Only because he got a big opening through The Priest, Rekhachitram could be done as a second movie at least. For this movie to happen, it needed a huge backup, and profile,” explained the actor, who delivered a hit with the thriller Kishkindha Kaandam in 2024.

Mammootty’s The Priest

Mammootty, who has worked with several debutant filmmakers, collaborated with Jofin T. Chacko for the director’s maiden project too. The movie was released in March 2021, amid the pandemic scare and between Covid lockdowns. Despite these hindrances, the movie, which also featured Manju Warrier in an extended cameo, did garner the audience’s attention. The movie, with the themes of horror and suspense, is available for streaming on Prime Video.

Also read: Rekhachithram: Asif Ali, Anaswara Rajan’s film has a Mammootty connection? Netizens think so 

Rekhachithram release date

Meanwhile, Jofin T. Chacko’s sophomore directorial Rekhachithram with Asif Ali in the lead will release in theatres on January 9, 2025. The movie, which also stars Anaswara Rajan, will see Asif Ali in the role of a cop. Siddique, Indrans, Zarin Shihab, Harisree Ashokan, and Jagadish are also part of the cast, ensuring that the film is loaded with talented actors. Though the Rekhachithram trailer hinted that the movie could be an investigative thriller, Jofin has categorically stated that it is not a whodunnit in this interview.

Also read: Rekhachithram trailer OUT: Asif Ali strives to unravel the truth as Anaswara Rajan is cloaked in mystery