The makers of Jayasurya’s upcoming film Mayan - Chapter 1 have released a new video offering glimpses from the project’s pooja ceremony, while also teasing the film’s mysterious central theme through a conversation between producer Rajeev Govindan and director Jithin K Jose, best known for his hit directorial debut Kalamkaval, led by Mammootty and Vinayakan.
Mayan was officially launched in Kochi on Thursday with a traditional ceremony attended by the cast and crew. The newly released video captures moments from the event, juxtaposing a candid exchange between the producer and director about the nature of the film. Opening the conversation, Rajeev asks Jithin, “Are you scared?” Jithin replies, “No, I’m not scared. It’s not in the same genre as Kurup and Kalamkaval. I want to be in a totally different genre.”
Rajeev then hints at Mayan’s subject matter, saying, “It’s a new genre. That’s what we wanted to do. The focal point of this film is reverse worship. In Malayalam, it’s vipareetha aaraadhana (reverse worship). It’s happening all over the world. It’s a curiosity to know that a fraction of it is happening in Kerala.” Jithin adds, “It’s been there in Kerala for centuries.”
Rajeev further says, “But it’s happening in our society with not many knowing about it. It’s a film that brings it out, that boosts our energy.” Closing the video on an ominous note, Jithin says, “Thalpparakakshikalkku, karutha raathrikale oottu nerchayilekku swaagatham...” (For those interested parties, welcome to the feast of dark nights...)”
The intriguing remarks have added to speculation that Mayan will delve into occult practices and lesser-known ritual traditions rooted in Kerala. Apart from Jayasurya, the film also stars Nyla Usha, Vijay Babu, Niranjana Anoop and Jibin Gopinath in key roles. The screenplay has been jointly written by Jithin and veteran filmmaker Raffi.
The project reunites Jithin with his Kalamkaval technical team, including cinematographer Faisal Ali, music director Mujeeb Majeed and editor Praveen Prabhakar. The film is produced under the banner Magic Moon Productions.