Jayaram has portrayed a wide range of memorable characters across South Indian cinema since the 1980s, but one of his most cherished performances remains in Panchatanthiram (2002), headlined by Kamal Haasan. Even over two decades after its release, the comedy entertainer continues to enjoy a strong fan following for its sharp screenplay and timeless humour—particularly the hilarious moments featuring Jayaram alongside Urvashi.
Interestingly, the actor, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Parimala and Co, has reunited with Urvashi after over two decades, their first major film after Panchatanthiram. While fans have been eagerly awaiting the comedy thriller, questions on a potential sequel to Panchatanthiram continue to float in film discourses.
Speaking about the same, Jayaram, in a recent interview said, "Many have been telling me to inform Kamal Haasan to make a sequel to Panchatanthiram. I can do that. But even if he wants to make it happen, we can't find a replacement to two important persons - Nagesh and Crazy Mohan. We can find alternatives to everyone else, but there is no alternative to them."
Directed by KS Ravikumar, Panchatanthiram also starred Ramesh Aravind, Sriman, Yugi Sethu, Simran and Ramya Krishnan, with Urvashi, Aishwarya, Sanghavi, Vidhya Venkatesh, Devayani and Nagesh in supporting roles. The film remains an evergreen cult classic in Kamal Haasan's filmography, with its writing holding a special place in popular culture.
A sequel to the film was once in development, with Ravikumar envisioning portions of it to be shot aboard a cruise liner. However, the project never materialised. He later incorporated the cruise ship concept into his 2010 film Manmadan Ambu, which also featured Kamal Haasan. Years later, director Lokesh Kanagaraj explored the possibility of a sequel as well, but eventually shelved the idea and went on to collaborate with Haasan on Vikram.
In fact, Jayaram, Yugi Sethu, Ramesh Aravind and Sriman reunited for a fun-filled video after 20 years to promote Vikram via a conference call, a major throwback to a similar iconic scene from Panchatanthiram.
Jayaram's upcoming film Parimala and Co, directed by Pandiraaj also stars Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, Ananthika Sanilkumar, Mysskin, Yogi Babu, Sandy, Santosh Sobhan, and Tamilkumaran, among others. It is set for a release in theatres on June 5.
