Weeks after speculation intensified about a possible collaboration between Mohanlal and Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram, the filmmaker has addressed the rumours, clarifying that no discussions have taken place regarding a project with the Malayalam superstar. The rumours gathered momentum earlier this month after Chidambaram's father, Satheesh Pothuval, shared a photograph of the director with Mohanlal on social media, accompanied by a caption that many interpreted as a hint of an upcoming collaboration.
Speaking to MediaOne during the promotional campaign for his upcoming film Balan: The Boy, Chidambaram dismissed suggestions that a project with Mohanlal is currently in the works. "I would love to make a film with Lalettan. More than anything, I want to make a good film. But there haven't been any discussions with him, so there's no point talking about it at the moment," he said.
Addressing the social media post shared by his father, the director said, "My father probably shared that post after hearing something from someone." He added that he had no idea why the photograph was posted and suggested that the question should be directed to his father.
Despite ruling out any ongoing discussions, Chidambaram did not hide his admiration for Mohanlal and expressed his desire to work with him in the future. "I've met Lalettan many times, but I've never actually spoken to him. I genuinely have a strong desire to make a film with Lalettan. If the opportunity comes, I certainly will," he said.
The director also spoke about what fascinates him about both Mohanlal and Mammootty as performers. "Whether it's Mammookka or Lalettan, they're the sort of actors who can adapt themselves to any character. Whatever you give them, they'll do it. Rather than approaching them as the stars Mammootty and Mohanlal, I think it's better to approach the actor within them."
Reflecting on Mohanlal's screen persona, Chidambaram said audiences associate the actor with larger-than-life cinematic moments. "When you think of Lalettan, you expect the screen to erupt with energy — the twirling of the moustache, the larger-than-life moments. If you bring Lalettan into a film, you have to deliver that as well. That's what the fans expect. A Mohanlal film is a celebration."
The filmmaker is currently gearing up for the release of Balan: The Boy, which is scheduled to hit theatres on June 19. The film, scripted by Aavesham director Jithu Madhavan, was recently screened at the Marché du Film section of the Cannes Film Festival 2026.
