Ad filmmaker-turned-actor Prakash Varma has confirmed that Mammootty will be making a cameo appearance as Karikkamuri Shanmughan in Ranjith’s upcoming film, marking the return of the iconic character from Black. Speaking to Cue Studio during a conversation at The Summit of Future 2026, Prakash described Mammootty’s presence in the film as nothing short of a blessing. While the cameo had already been the subject of much chatter, Prakash’s words offered both confirmation and a glimpse into the warmth of their on-set moments together.

“That itself is a big blessing,” he said, recalling the experience of sharing screen space with the legendary actor. He said that they spent two to three days shooting together and described the process as deeply enjoyable. One particular moment stayed with him. “There was a shot where Mammookka and I came into the frame from both sides. After it was done, I told him, ‘I don’t know what to say… the last film (Thudarum), now this film with you, and even this shot, it all feels like a dream.’” Mammootty’s response, Prakash said, left a lasting impression. “He smiled and told me, ‘I still consider life as a dream.’ That was so beautiful. It said so much about how deeply he experiences life that even at this stage, he feels he’s still in a dream.”

Karikkamuri Shanmughan, one of Mammootty’s most memorable characters, was introduced in Ranjith’s Black, the 2004 action drama that went on to achieve cult status. The character’s return, even in a brief appearance, has already generated excitement among fans.

Prakash, a towering name in Indian advertising with iconic campaigns to his credit, made a striking transition to acting with his debut in the Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum. His chilling turn as a senior police officer, George, one of the most talked-about antagonists in recent Malayalam cinema, was widely celebrated in 2025.