Expectations are high as Vismaya Mohanlal is marking her acting debut by teaming up with the ‘Om Shanthi Oshana’ director Jude Anthany Joseph, for the upcoming film ‘Thudakkam’.Director Jude Anthany Joseph posted a series of pictures featuring the film’s lead actress Vismaya Mohanlal and her mother, Suchitra Mohanlal. Along with the photographs, he opened up on the close bond he shares with the two and expressed his gratitude for their love and support.In his note, the ‘2018’ director described their relationship in a personal and affectionate manner. He wrote, “They may be mother and daughter to the world, but to me, they’ll always be my elder sister and younger sister.”
Suchitra Mohanlal’s special gift
Jude also revealed that Suchitra Mohanlal surprised him with a thoughtful present after watching Thudakkam. According to the director, she gifted him a wristwatch, a gesture that left a lasting impression on him.Expressing his gratitude, he wrote, “The second picture is a beautiful gift from Suchi Chechi after watching Thudakkam—a gesture I’ll treasure for a lifetime. Thank you, dear Chechi, for your love, encouragement, and this unforgettable memory.”
Jude Anthany Joseph on how ‘Thudakkam’ happened
In a recent interview with Galatta Plus, Jude Anthany Joseph also spoke about the unexpected journey that brought ‘Thudakkam’ to him. He revealed that the film was never part of his original plans, as he had been simultaneously working on multiple projects in Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil.Recalling that phase, he said, “‘Thudakkam’ was never a film I had planned to direct. I was actually planning a film based on the disappearance of the MV Kairali ship. At the same time, I was working on a Hindi film with Ayushmann Khurrana, and the script was progressing well. I was also planning a Tamil film with Sivakarthikeyan. I had several projects in development, but none of them reached completion.”Reflecting on how his approach to filmmaking had changed after the success of ‘2018’, Jude added, “Later, I realised that this wasn’t how I used to make films. Before 2018, I would write a script, shoot the film, release it, enjoy the outcome, and only then think about what to do next. But after ‘2018’, I started receiving numerous offers and calls.”
A return to direction after ‘2018’
‘Thudakkam’ marks Jude Anthany Joseph’s return as a director following the success of his 2023 survival drama 2018.The project is also significant because it introduces Vismaya Mohanlal, daughter of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, as an actor. The movie also has a special appearance by Mohanlal and the same was teased in the trailer which was released recently by the makers.
