Ever since the Mammootty-starrer Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam opened in theatres on January 19, words of praise and congratulatory messages have been pouring in from all corners. Recently, Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, known for helming path-breaking films like Pizza and Jigarthanda, took to social media to share his thoughts on the Lijo Jose Pellissery directorial and Mammootty's performance in it. Karthik called it a 'beautiful and refreshing film with an awesome Mammootty'. He also urged his followers not to miss the 'Lijo magic' from theatres. Recently, veteran Malayalam filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad also penned a similar note of appreciation for Lijo and the team.

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam had its world premiere at the 27th International Film Festival of Kerala. Scripted by S Hareesh based on Lijo's story, the film is about James, a middle-aged Malayali family man, who slips into an afternoon nap and wakes up as a different person—Sundaram, a Tamilian. Mammootty's performance has been lauded unanimously, with many hailing it as one of his career-best outings.