Speculation surrounding the rumoured collaboration between Mohanlal and Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram has gained fresh momentum after a social media post by the filmmaker's father, Sathish Poduval. On Monday, Sathish shared an unverified report about the project on social media. The report claimed that Mohanlal and Chidambaram are set to team up for a new film, with Manjummel Boys cinematographer Shyju Khalid also attached to the project. It further suggested that shooting could begin in October this year.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Sathish accompanied the post with the caption, "Balan is completed. Onto the next film." While neither Mohanlal nor Chidambaram has officially confirmed the project, Sathish's remark has been widely interpreted by fans as an indication that the filmmaker's next venture could indeed be the rumoured collaboration with the Malayalam superstar.

The prospective collaboration has generated considerable excitement among cinephiles, given Chidambaram's meteoric rise following the success of Manjummel Boys. Released in 2024, the survival drama emerged as one of the biggest Malayalam blockbusters of all time, earning over Rs 240 crore worldwide and winning widespread critical acclaim.

Meanwhile, Chidambaram is gearing up for the release of Balan: The Boy, which is set to hit theatres on June 19. The film was recently screened at the Marche du Film section of the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Described by its makers as a story centred on identity, survival and the bond between a mother and son, the film is scripted by Chidambaram and Aavesham director Jithu Madhavan.

Mohanlal, on the other hand, has a packed slate ahead. The actor is currently shooting for Athimanoharam, which reunites him with Thudarum director Tharun Moorthy. He is also set to collaborate with ace filmmaker Dileesh Pothan on a new project backed by producer Shibu Baby John, although further details about that film remain under wraps.