Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India: Veteran actor Mammootty is set to headline an upcoming film titled Padayatra, marking another significant project under his production banner. While Mammootty is primarily associated with Malayalam cinema, he continues to enjoy a strong following among Telugu audiences, largely through dubbed releases on OTT platforms.

The actor previously portrayed the late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy in the biographical film Yatra, earning widespread appreciation for his performance. In recent years, Mammootty has focused on content-driven cinema through his production house, delivering notable films such as Kannur Squad and Kaathal – The Core. In Kaathal, he impressed audiences with his portrayal of a complex and unconventional character.

The newly announced project, Padayatra, has sparked curiosity due to its politically associated title. However, at present, only the film’s poster has been released, and details regarding the storyline remain under wraps. The film will be directed by renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, marking his return to feature filmmaking after nearly a decade.

This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as Mammootty and Adoor Gopalakrishnan are reuniting after 32 years. Their earlier collaboration, Vidheyan, went on to win the National Award for Best Feature Film, cementing its place as a classic in Indian cinema.

Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who has been active in the film industry since the mid-1960s, is regarded as one of India’s most celebrated auteurs. Over the years, he has received multiple National Film Awards for acclaimed works such as Kodiyettam, Mathilukal, Mukhamukham, Elippathayam, Kathapurushan, Nizhalkuthu, and Naal Pennungal. His last directorial venture was released in 2016.

With Padayatra, expectations are high as the legendary actor-director duo comes together once again. Industry watchers are keen to see whether this collaboration will earn further national recognition.