Writer-filmmaker Shahi Kabir has revealed that he is in talks with Mohanlal for a new film. Speaking to Reporter TV during the promotions of the upcoming Kunchacko Boban-starrer Unmadham, Shahi said he had already narrated the core idea of a story to the veteran actor, but the project is still in the writing stage.
"Actually, I had narrated a story to Lalettan. I haven't presented the complete story yet. I had only shared the core idea. That's how all my films have been so far. I wrote Joseph after pitching an idea. Similarly, I narrated a story to him on the sets of Patriot. He liked the idea. I was narrating it in a more complicated way, and he asked me, 'Can't you write it in a straightforward manner?' So I started writing it that way. There's a certain tension in it. Whenever I write for Lalettan, I end up rewriting it, hoping it doesn't get rejected. That story is still there. I haven't been able to present it yet. We're still going through that process," said Shahi.
Shahi thus joins the growing list of new-generation Malayalam filmmakers keen to collaborate with Mohanlal. Dileesh Pothan is set to team up with the actor for Nedumkandam Miracle, which is expected to go on floors later this year. National Award-winning filmmaker Krishand has also confirmed that he is developing a project with Mohanlal.
Meanwhile, Mohanlal is currently shooting for Athimanoharam, reuniting with Thudarum director Tharun Moorthy.
On the other hand, Shahi is awaiting the release of Unmadham, directed by debutant Kiran Das. Scheduled to hit theatres on July 31, the psychological thriller stars Kunchacko Boban as a constable investigating an old case with supernatural undertones. The film marks Shahi's third collaboration with Kunchacko after Nayattu and Officer on Duty.
A former police officer, Shahi has carved a niche with stories centred on policemen and the policing system. He first gained recognition as the writer of the Joju George-starrer Joseph before making his directorial debut with Soubin Shahir’s Ela Veezha Poonchira and following it up with Dileesh Pothan-Roshan Mathew’s Ronth.