'He disappeared': Producer Antony Perumbavoor on original director one month into shooting behind Mohanlal's 'Athimanoharam'
ETimes | May 17, 2026 3:39 PM CST
After the massive success of Mohanlal’s 'Thudarum' excitement is building around his next film 'Athimanoharam' which Tharun Moorthy directs. Producer Antony Perumbavoor has now revealed a dramatic twist behind the film’s journey to the screen.
Original director backed out from 'Athimanoharam'
'Athimanoharam' was initially planned with newcomer Austin Dan Thomas at the helm. The film was in pre-production and set to begin shooting within weeks. However, the project hit an unexpected roadblock when the young filmmaker withdrew at the last moment.
Antony said the sudden disappearance created uncertainty among the team. With the production schedule approaching, the makers were left with no option but to rethink the project.
He said, "At that point, we became afraid to proceed with such an experiment. He got scared and stopped answering calls. He just vanished."
The producer added that while he understands the pressure newcomers face, such incidents make producers cautious.
"They went into panic. You cannot really blame them, but it makes us hesitant to move forward with people in such situations," Antony added.
Tharun Moorthy takes charge
Following the setback, director Tharun Moorthy stepped in to lead the project. His reunion with Mohanlal after 'Thudarum' has raised expectations among fans.
The first-look poster, unveiled recently, features Mohanlal in a police uniform amid a sea of Ayyappa devotees.
'Athimanoharam's strong technical team on boardShaji Kumar handles cinematography, while Jakes Bejoy composes the soundtrack. Vivek Harshan is editing, with production design by Gokul Das. Dileesh Pothan project also confirmed
Dileesh Pothan project also confirmed
According to reports, Shibu Baby John will produce the film.
Asif Ali is reportedly set to play a key role. If finalized, the combination of Mohanlal, Dileesh Pothan, and Asif Ali will mark a fresh and exciting chapter for Malayalam cinema . Meanwhile, Mohanlal was recently seen in 'Patriot'.
Meanwhile, Mohanlal was recently seen in 'Patriot'.
Original director backed out from 'Athimanoharam'
'Athimanoharam' was initially planned with newcomer Austin Dan Thomas at the helm. The film was in pre-production and set to begin shooting within weeks. However, the project hit an unexpected roadblock when the young filmmaker withdrew at the last moment.
Antony said the sudden disappearance created uncertainty among the team. With the production schedule approaching, the makers were left with no option but to rethink the project.
He said, "At that point, we became afraid to proceed with such an experiment. He got scared and stopped answering calls. He just vanished."
The producer added that while he understands the pressure newcomers face, such incidents make producers cautious.
"They went into panic. You cannot really blame them, but it makes us hesitant to move forward with people in such situations," Antony added.
Tharun Moorthy takes charge
Following the setback, director Tharun Moorthy stepped in to lead the project. His reunion with Mohanlal after 'Thudarum' has raised expectations among fans.
The first-look poster, unveiled recently, features Mohanlal in a police uniform amid a sea of Ayyappa devotees.
'Athimanoharam's strong technical team on boardShaji Kumar handles cinematography, while Jakes Bejoy composes the soundtrack. Vivek Harshan is editing, with production design by Gokul Das. Dileesh Pothan project also confirmed
Dileesh Pothan project also confirmed
According to reports, Shibu Baby John will produce the film.
Asif Ali is reportedly set to play a key role. If finalized, the combination of Mohanlal, Dileesh Pothan, and Asif Ali will mark a fresh and exciting chapter for Malayalam cinema . Meanwhile, Mohanlal was recently seen in 'Patriot'.
Meanwhile, Mohanlal was recently seen in 'Patriot'.
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