Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju’s ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ is continuing its theatrical run to packed houses. Directed by Girish AD, the film has Sangeeth Prathap playing Joel, the brother of Nivin’s character Justin.

Amid the film’s success, there had been discussion on social media about whether Naslen was initially considered to play Justin’s younger brother. Girish AD has now addressed the speculation in an interview with Club FM.

Responding to a question about whether Naslen had originally been planned as Nivin’s younger brother, Girish clarified that the actor was considered during the early stages of the discussions, but was never actually finalised for the role.

Also Read: ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ Tamil, Telugu versions set for September 4 release 

“Naslen was not supposed to play Nivin’s younger brother. He did come to mind when we were discussing the film. But we cannot call someone like him for a supporting role like that. So, the role eventually went to Sangeeth. Sangeeth has now grown into a lead actor himself, but he agreed to take on the role because of the good relationship we share,” Girish said.

Sangeeth Prathap plays Joel in ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’, while Mamitha Baiju appears as the female lead alongside Nivin Pauly.

Girish AD on why ‘Premalu 2’ did not happen

The director was also asked about ‘Premalu 2’, which had been announced following the success of the first film but did not eventually materialise.

Girish chose not to go into the details at this point, suggesting that a more detailed discussion would be appropriate later.

“If I answer that question now, it might seem like I’m dragging someone into the conversation simply because the film has become successful. Let some more time pass, and then we can talk about it. I think it would be better to dedicate an entire episode to the subject because there’s a lot I have to say,” he said in response to the question.

What happened to ‘Premalu 2’?

‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ marks Girish AD’s latest film after the success of ‘Premalu’, which was also produced by Bhavana Studios. Naslen and Mamitha Baiju played the lead roles in ‘Premalu’.

Also Read: ‘Very clear about where my energy should go’: Parvathy Thiruvothu says no to AMMA comeback 

Girish had completed ‘I Am Kathalan’ before ‘Premalu’, but the film reached theatres later and did not achieve the expected success.

Although ‘Premalu 2’ was announced after the film’s success, the project ultimately failed to take shape amid differences over the screenplay.

‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ hit theatres on August 21 as part of the Onam release and has emerged as one of the stronger performers of the festival period. The Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju-starrer has maintained a steady run at the box office, with the film crossing ₹50 crore in India during its first week.

By Day 8, it had reportedly collected ₹61.85 crore net in India, while its worldwide gross stood at around ₹148.65 crore, according to Sacnilk.