Bheeshma Parvam, the Malayalam film set for release on Thursday, will have elements of the Mahabharata, lead actor Mammooty said during a press meet in Kochi, on Monday.
“Every film or story, even our lives, have some elements of the epic. Likewise, this film also has references to the Mahabharata. Bheeshma Parvam is a story of families and each character portrayed in the film will be remembered by their name,” he added.
Aside from Mammootty, Bheeshma Parvam features an ensemble cast that includes Nadiya Moidu, Soubin Shahir, Dileesh Pothan, Srindaa, Lena and Sreenath Bhasi, among several others.
The film is directed and produced by Amal Neerad. It is written by Neerad in association with Devadath Shaji and PT Ravi Shankar.
Recently, the Kerala government relaxed its Covid-19 restrictions and permitted cinema halls to operate at 100% seating capacity. Theatres in the state had been functioning at 50% occupancy since October 2021.
Speaking at the Bheeshma Parvam press meet, Mammootty said that he was happy about the government order increasing seating capacity in theatres.
The film marks the second collaboration of the actor and director Neerad after the 2007 action thriller film Big B. Mammootty clarified that his character in Bheeshma Parvam, Michael, will be completely different from his Bilal in Big B. “I have tried my best to make sure this character doesn’t resemble Bilal,” he said, adding that the story is set in 1986.
Mammootty also mentioned that it was emotional seeing late actors Nedumudi Venu and KPAC Lalitha in the film’s trailer.
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Actor Lena, who plays a character named Susan, said, “Usually, Amal Neerad’s films are big productions in Malayalam cinema and the number of cast and crew members involved makes it feel like a Hindi film set. Bheeshma Parvam is no exception. It is one of the biggest productions in the Malayalam industry and hence, it deserves a theatrical experience.”
Nadiya, who essays a character called Fathima, said that Neerad’s techniques, framing and filmmaking style are all unique and working on Bheeshma Parvam was a learning experience for her. On a lighter note, she remarked that she was jealous of Mammootty because despite staying as fit and healthy as him, female actors don’t usually get offered the sort of roles he does.