The Tamil movie-going audience needs no introduction to the A-list film stars from neighboring Kerala. Mohanlal reprising MGR in Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar, Mammootty’s camaraderie with Rajinikanth in Thalapathy and Suresh Gopi in Dheena are just some of the instances from the past, wherein Malayalam actors have played major roles in Tamil films.
After his debut in Tamil withVaayai Moodi Pesavum (2013), Mammootty’s son Dulquer Salmaan is now all set to return on Tamil screens with Mani Ratanam’s OK Kanmani, Dulquer is already a popular actor in Kerala. Mammootty himself will soon make a comeback to Tamil films after a good five years. He was last seen alongside Arjun in the 2010 film Vandae Maatharam. Though many offers have been coming his way, the star has finally settled for a feel-good movie with National Award winning (Thanga Meenkal) director Ram.
Filmmaker Ram is thrilled at the opportunity to work with Mammootty, he says,“Every director has a dream hero who they want to make a film with. I’ve been a big fan of Mammukka for the longest time. I was initially apprehensive about approaching him as I am planning to make this film only in Tamil. But he loved the script.” The film is expected to go on floors by mid-2015.
Another big Malayalam star who’s making a Tamil re-entry is Dileep. He was last seen in a rather forgettable role in the Vijaykanth starrer Rajjiyam way back in 2002. The film was a box office failure and the star chose to focus on Malayalam films where he was still gaining foothold at the time. Dileep will now be seen in a Tamil comedy directed by K.S. Manikandan. “It’s a complete comic entertainer and I couldn’t think of a better fit than Dileep for the lead role. He loved the script too and agreed.” says the director.
A Malayalam star who has consistently been seen in Tamil films over the years is Jayaram. And now his son Kalidas has chosen a Tamil film titled Oru Pakka Kathai to make his debut as a hero. Jayaram, who was last seen in the 2012 Vijay starrer Thuppakki, has Utthama Villain with Kamal Haasan and Masss with Suriya lined up for the year in Tamil.
Manoj K jayan, Kalabhavan Mani, Biju Menon and Jayasurya are some of the other Malayalam actors who have made a mark in Tamil films.
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