Mammootty has shared his experience of working with Dhanush and Sai Pallavi in the upcoming Tamil film ‘OM: Chapter 1 – Udhiram: The Blood Wood’. Speaking at the movie’s pre-release event, the veteran actor praised his co-stars and offered a glimpse into the film’s serious narrative. He also recalled his seven-year gap from Tamil cinema and joked about wanting to act alongside Dhanush’s son.
Mammootty talks about his return to Tamil cinema after seven years
Mammootty revealed that ‘OM’ marks his return to Tamil cinema after seven years. Following his performance in ‘Peranbu’, he had been hoping to take up another Tamil project. However, the actor said his attempts to find an opportunity did not work out until this film came along.“After seven years, this is the Tamil film I am acting in. After ‘Peranbu’, I wanted to do another Tamil film. I asked several people, but none of them gave me an opportunity. ‘OM’ is an unforgettable film,” Mammootty said, as quoted by Reporter website.
Mammootty jokes about acting with Dhanush’s son
The actor also made a humorous observation about his experience of sharing screen space with some of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars. Having worked with Rajinikanth and Dhanush, Mammootty turned his attention to the next generation of the actor’s family.“I have already acted with Rajini Sir and Dhanush Sir. Dhanush’s son is sitting here. I don’t know when he is going to start acting!”Mammootty also offered a brief description of the film’s narrative without revealing major plot details. He explained that ‘OM’ brings together several interconnected stories involving different characters.“There are several stories in this film. It is a story set against a hilly backdrop, featuring ordinary people. There is Sai Pallavi’s story, Dhanush Sir’s story, and so on. I am not going to reveal the story.”
Mammootty opens up about six months of night shoots
The veteran actor also spoke about the demanding production schedule. According to Mammootty, the team had initially informed him that his shooting commitments would last 45 days. However, the schedule eventually extended to six months, with much of the filming taking place at night.“They initially told me that I would have 45 days of shooting, but it has now been six months. The shooting happens night after night. He says the story of my character can only be filmed at night. So, what can I do? There is nothing I can do!”
Mammootty praises Dhanush and Sai Pallavi’s performances
Mammootty reserved special praise for his co-stars, highlighting their performances and the qualities they bring to their respective characters. He described Dhanush’s role as extraordinary and suggested that the film could feature one of the actor’s finest performances.“I had a lot to learn from the other actors in the film. Sai Pallavi’s expressions are astonishing. Dhanush’s character is extraordinary. His performance in ‘OM’ will probably be one of his best.”He also singled out Sai Pallavi’s action sequences, comparing her fighting abilities to those of legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. Mammootty said her performance challenges the conventional portrayal of female characters in action-oriented roles.“I call Sai Pallavi a ‘hero’ because, usually, it is the male heroes who perform fights in films. But when Sai Pallavi fights in this film, even the male heroes would be left behind. She fights like Bruce Lee!What I am saying might sound funny, but the film itself is very serious. It will touch your heart.”Directed and written by Rajkumar Periasamy, ‘OM: Chapter 1 – Udhiram: The Blood Wood’ features Dhanush in the lead role. Mammootty plays Burma Karthikeyan / Siya, a powerful smuggler with grey shades, while Sai Pallavi portrays IPS officer Nithya Reddy. Sreeleela also plays a key role as Roja. The action thriller is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 20, 2026.
