Mohanlal seems to be delighted that he has been chosen to play Bheema in ‘Randamoozham,' director Hariharan's screen version of M.T. Vasudevan Nair's classic novel of the same name. “I am looking forward to it. It is an honour for any actor to portray such a character as Bheema in ‘Randamoozham,'” says Mohanal, who spoke to Friday Review shortly after Hariharan confirmed the news about the cast.
Mohanlal says that he knows that the expectations will be high about the film. After all not only is the film based on one of the finest novels ever in Malayalam, but it is being directed by one of India's finest auteurs, one who is known for classics such as ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' and ‘Pazhassi Raja.' “‘Randamoozham' is a novel read and loved by so many people. So everyone would be curious to see how it would look on screen,” says Mohanlal.
Hariharan adds that he is glad that he was able to cast Mohanlal in the role. “M.T. and I are confident that he would be able to portray the psyche of the Pandava warrior to perfection,” he elaborates. Speculation is rife about certain Bollywood and Kollywood stars appearing in cameos in ‘Randamoozham.' Hariharan says that the rumours are just that – rumours.
Casting not yet done
“A film like ‘Randamoozham' needs meticulous planning at every level. I will begin to think about casting only after the final draft of the script is ready. Contrary to reports in the media, actors such as Kamal Haasan and Salman Khan are not going to be part of the film. I will start shooting the film next March,” he says.
‘Randamoozham' would mark Mohanlal's return to the M.T.-Hariharan camp after a gap of 25 years. ‘Amruthamgamaya' was the last film in which the trio worked together and it remains one of Mohanal's memorable roles. ‘Panchagni' was the trio's first film together.
Mohanal's last film with an M.T. script was 19 years ago with ‘Sadayam,' directed by Sibi Malayil, the story of a man on death row.
