Kochi: Listeners of Akashvani are in for a rare treat as Malayalam superstar Mohanlal collaborates with the public broadcaster to headline two major productions in this year's radio drama festival. The veteran actor is set to lend his iconic voice to two major plays in the All Kerala Radio Drama Festival.

The festival, which commences this Sunday, will showcase seven plays from the state's premier broadcasting stations, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur.

A star-studded lineup

Mohanlal’s first rendering will be in the Thiruvananthapuram station’s production, ‘Daivathin Manamaaru Kandu,’ scheduled for broadcast on May 11. Directed by Ruby Babu and penned by Jayaraj Mithra, the drama features a distinguished ensemble cast including M.R. Gopakumar, Bhagyalakshmi, Nandu, Sandhya Rajendran, and Sajan Soorya.

His second performance, in ‘Kadamkathayile Virunnukaran,’ is a Kochi station presentation directed by N.S. Jayamohan and M.V. Sasikumar. This production is notable for its formidable female cast, featuring acclaimed actors Maala Parvathi, Sshivada, Aditi Ravi, and Muthumani. It is slated to air on May 17.

Reviving the golden age of radio

The inclusion of a high-profile figure like Mohanlal is seen as a major boost for the festival, which aims to celebrate the enduring legacy of radio theatre in Kerala.

The festival concludes on May 18, marking a week of intensive cultural broadcasting. For many fans, hearing the superstar’s voice through the traditional medium of radio is expected to offer a nostalgic yet fresh encounter with the actor's versatile range.