‘I was the first choice to play Jagannathan in Aaraam Thampuran,’ says Manoj K Jayan

Kochi: Actor Manoj K. Jayan has revealed that the blockbuster Malayalam film ‘Aaraam Thampuran’, directed by Shaji Kailas and scripted by Ranjith, was initially conceptualised with him in the lead role before Mohanlal was cast.

Speaking in a recent interview with Club FM, Manoj said he only became aware of this casting change after hearing about it from actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju.

"I only found out recently when Maniyanpilla Raju mentioned it. Apparently, during a conversation in Madras, he happened to hear the storyline and characters. This was planned soon after ‘Asuravamsam’, and I was the intended lead. I think Biju Menon was also part of the plan," Manoj explained.

According to him, it was Maniyanpilla Raju who suggested to the director that casting Mohanlal could elevate the film to another level.

“He reportedly told the director, ‘If someone like Lal (Mohanlal) plays this, it will move to a whole new level. Shouldn’t we at least consider that?’ At that point, Shaji Kailas asked if Mohanlal’s dates could be arranged. Maniyanpilla Raju then approached Suresh Kumar, and after discussions, the project shifted in that direction,” Manoj added.

Reflecting on this turn of events, Manoj admitted that he found the whole story quite amusing, having only recently learnt of it himself.

"The biggest joke here is that I didn’t know any of this until now. Some even say that had I done it, the film might very well have flopped!" he joked.

He also touched on his role in the film ‘Chamayam’, which was originally meant for Mohanlal and Thilakan. Due to scheduling conflicts, the makers cast Manoj and Murali instead.

"That role was meant for Lalettan (Mohanlal) and Thilakan Chettan. Because of date issues, they were replaced, and Murali and I were brought in. Had I done ‘Aaraam Thampuran’, maybe it would have ended up being just another small film of mine," he said.