‘I am a huge Mammookka fan; Every time you watch him...’: Arjun Ashokan about Mammootty

Actor Arjun Ashokan has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry, delivering back-to-back hits in recent years. From the critically acclaimed Bramayugam to the popular Romancham, he has consistently showcased his versatility across diverse roles. 

Ashokan is set to star in Thalavara, a coming-of-age drama directed by Akhil Anilkumar and penned by Akhil Anilkumar and Appu Aslam.

Ahead of the film’s release on August 22, Arjun and the film crew spoke with Mathrubhumi.com to share insights about the project.

During the interview, the actor reflected on his admiration for veteran actor Mammootty, describing him as the performer he grew up watching.

“I am a huge Mammookka fan. Every time you watch him, it feels like seeing him for the first time. There’s a unique aura he brings. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been a fanboy. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with him in a lengthy film like Bramayugam, which became a cult classic, and also in its black-and-white format,” he said.

Bramayugam, starring Mammootty in the lead role alongside Arjun Ashokan and Sidharth Bharathan, was a box office success. The film received praise from critics, particularly for its cast, production design, background score, sound design, and cinematography.

Earlier, speaking to SonyLiv, Arjun Ashokan said that what drew him to the film was the opportunity to work with Mammootty. He added that he expected the movie, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, to be a masterpiece, especially given its unique concept and the fact that it was shot in black and white.

Thalavara

Thalavara stars Arjun Ashokan and Revathy Sarma in the lead roles. It is produced by Shebin Backer under Shebin Backer Productions and Mahesh Narayanan under his banner Moving Narratives. Anurudh Aneesh handles the cinematography, and Rahul Radhakrishnan edits the film. Electronic Kili composes the songs and background score. The film is scheduled to release on 22 August 2025.