The Jayaram-starrer Akashamittai will hit the screens during Onam. The movie, a remake of the Tamil movie Appa, is being directed by Samuthirakani and M Padmakumar. Samuthirakani had also directed the original which had released in 2016. This is his directorial debut in Malayalam. The actor-turned-director had played a significant role in the Mohanlal-starrer Oppam.  

According to Padmakumar, the story of the movie has been slightly altered to suit the sensibilities of Malayalis, but the core concept remains the same. "Appa had a subject that is universally relevant and has a very reasonable cause attached to it. That is one reason why we decided to remake it in Malayalam," says the director.

However, the narrative is laced with humour. "Despite it conveying a contemporary message, the movie isn't preachy. It is full of humour and lively moments," says the director. 

Apparently, Samuthirakani had revealed that the plot line of Appa had been taken from a real life incident, which happened when choosing a school for his son.

Akashamittai also has Iniya and Shahjohn in significant roles. Iniya has replaced Tamil actor Varalakshmi, who opted out due to date issues.