Suresh Gopi-starrer Ottakomban to resume filming on this date

Ottakomban, the long-delayed 250th film of actor-politician Suresh Gopi, is now scheduled to resume production on April 15, following the Vishu festival. The announcement was made by the film's producer Gokulam Gopalan of Sree Gokulam Movies, who cited the actor’s ministerial obligations as the primary reason for yet another postponement. Originally set to recommence shooting on April 7, the schedule was altered multiple times to accommodate Suresh Gopi’s central government responsibilities.

First announced several years ago, Ottakomban has faced numerous interruptions, including legal troubles, logistical challenges and the pandemic. After prolonged delays, the film finally began shooting in December 2024. Directed by Mathews Thomas and scripted by Shibin Francis, it sees Suresh Gopi returning to the screen in the role of Kadavakkunnel Kuruvachan, a character reportedly based on a real person. The cast also includes Indrajith Sukumaran, Vijayaraghavan, Lalu Alex, Chemban Vinod Jose, Kabir Duhan Singh, Johny Antony, Biju Pappan, Meghana Raj and Suchithra Nair.

Ottakomban's technical credits include cinematographer Shaji Kumar and editor Vivek Harshan. The film has music by Harshavardhan Rameshwar, best known for his work in all three films directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, including  Arjun Reddy, its Hindi remake Kabir Singh and Animal. He is also composing the music for the upcoming Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer Nobody in Malayalam.

Shot across various locations in Kerala and Hong Kong, Ottakomban is reportedly a high-budget production, co-produced by VC Praveen and Baiju Gopalan under the Sree Gokulam Movies banner, with Krishnamoorthy as executive producer.

Notably, Sree Gokulam Movies is also one of the co-producing banners of Mohanlal-Prithviraj's L2: Empuraan. On April 4 and 5, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids under FEMA at premises linked to co-producer Gokulam Gopalan’s firm, Sree Gokulam Chits and Finance, seizing Rs 1.5 crore in cash. This comes as L2: Empuraan faces controversy, with both Prithviraj and co-producer Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas banner also receiving Income Tax notices.