Is Mammootty a part of Abraham Ozler? Will there be an Ozler 2? Director Midhun Manuel Thomas answers the burning questions
While Midhun Manuel Thomas' Jayaram-starrer Abraham Ozler is one of the most anticipated Malayalam films of the year, rumours suggest a special cameo by a Malayalam superstar, with many on social media speculating that it could be Mammootty.
Abraham Ozler director Midhun Manuel Thomas responds to the hype surrounding "the Devil" and speculations about Mammootty's involvement in the project. (Images: Mammootty, Midhun Manuel Thomas/Facebook)
After a three-year hiatus following the success of Anjaam Pathiraa (2020), writer-director Midhun Manuel Thomas experienced a triumphant 2023 with the release of two films, Garudan and Phoenix, written by him. The two movies not only garnered rave responses but also elevated Midhun to unprecedented heights as a bankable storyteller, generating anticipation for his upcoming film Abraham Ozler, starring Jayaram in the lead role.
A lover of thriller movies and novels, Midhun’s forays into the genre have captivated audiences, evident in the successes of the psychological slasher thriller Anjaam Pathiraa, crime thriller Garudan, and romantic horror Phoenix.
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While Abraham Ozler is one of the most anticipated films in the respective careers of both Midhun and Jayaram, rumours suggest a special cameo by a Malayalam superstar, with many on social media speculating that it could be Mammootty. Given Mammootty’s involvement in Vysakh’s Turbo, an action comedy penned by Midhun himself, these assumptions, although unverified, are understandable.
Simultaneously, Ozler’s trailer intriguingly introduces its antagonist as the “devil” without revealing the identity, sparking speculation about the actor playing this role. This intensifies doubts among anticipators about whether the rumoured megastar will indeed portray the antagonist in the film.
Watch Abraham Ozler trailer here:
In an exclusive chat ahead of Ozler’s release, The Indian Express preemptively questioned Midhun Manuel Thomas about the validity of such speculations.
Summing up his response to the hype surrounding “the Devil” and speculations about Mammootty’s involvement in the project, Midhun states, “Since Abraham Ozler is a thriller, we’re cautious about revealing too much to avoid spoilers and ruining the film experience for everyone.” “I prefer not to confirm or deny these speculations,” he adds.
Given that Ozler’s release on January 11 will officially mark the beginning of major releases in Malayalam cinema this year, with a substantial lineup to follow, the Jayaram film can undoubtedly be considered one of the most significant projects of 2024. As a thriller generating considerable anticipation, The Indian Express also enquired about the possibility of a sequel to Abraham Ozler.
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“Pay attention to Ozler’s climax. There’s a specific moment where we conclude the movie. The film’s ending will speak for itself; it’s self-explanatory,” Midhun signs off.
Also starring Anaswara Rajan, Arjun Ashokan, Anoop Menon, Siddique, Jagadish and Dileesh Pothan, among others, Abraham Ozler is penned by Randheer Krishnan.
Anandu Suresh is a Deputy Copy Editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at anandu.suresh@indianexpress.com. ... Read More