In a recent exclusive interview with ETimes, Siddharth Anand Kumar, the Sr. Vice President of Films & Events at Saregama India Ltd., shared insights into the burgeoning landscape of Malayalam cinema in 2024. As the entertainment industry rebounds from the pandemic, major releases like ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ are set to make waves, contributing to the robust scene in Mollywood.
Yoodle Films, the movie production arm of Saregama, aims to become a prominent player in the Malayalam film industry with an exciting lineup, featuring big names like Mohanlal, Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Tovino Thomas.
Kumar expressed the production house’s belief in Malayalam cinema, attributing their interest to the dynamic storytelling, literate audiences, and daring stars willing to experiment. The success of ‘Drishyam’ served as a pivotal inspiration for their foray into Mollywood. Despite the increasing competition and inflated budgets, Kumar affirmed their commitment to investing in Malayalam cinema, recognizing its immense potential.
Highlighting the diverse range of projects, Kumar discussed the highly anticipated film ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban,’ directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and featuring Mohanlal. He praised Pellissery’s creative vision, promising audiences an unparalleled cinematic experience.
Other projects in the pipeline include ‘Anveshippin Kandethum,’ described as an investigative thriller starring Tovino Thomas, and ‘Bazooka,’ a unique venture for Yoodle Films and Mammootty. The film is touted to be distinct from their previous endeavors.
The interview delved into the film ‘Oru Perumgaliyattam,’ centered around the Perumkaliyattam festival and an art form, with Suresh Gopi in the lead. Kumar acknowledged the success of ‘Kantara,’ emphasizing the nuanced space that ‘Oru Perumgaliyattam’ occupies.
In response to the growing trend of web series in Malayalam, Kumar expressed confidence in the industry’s ability to excel in this domain. He noted that the storytelling culture of Malayalam, known for its rich and multifaceted characters, aligns well with the demands of a series, emphasizing the potential for growth in this format.
As a final note, Kumar confirmed the buzz surrounding an upcoming web series featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran, affirming the production house’s active involvement in exploring diverse storytelling avenues within the Malayalam entertainment industry.
