The next collaboration between Mohanlal and filmmaker Tharun Moorthy has officially locked its rolling date. The yet-untitled project, being produced by Ashiq Usman, will begin principal photography on January 23. The update was shared by Tharun on social media, along with pictures from the script pooja ceremony held at the Mahadeva Temple in Vaikom, his hometown.
Sharing the significance of the location, the director wrote, “My art, my writing — everything was born here. There is no greater bliss than starting again from this sacred place.” The ceremony marks the formal start of the film’s production journey, several months after the project was first announced.
Tentatively titled L 365, the film reunites Mohanlal and Tharun after Thudarum and is expected to be mounted on a similar scale, though details regarding the narrative and supporting cast are being kept under wraps for now.
Directorial change and genre details
While L 365 has been in development for some time, the project underwent a key change behind the scenes late last year. It was originally intended to be directed by debutant Austin Dan Thomas, with a screenplay by Ratheesh Ravi of Ishq fame. However, for undisclosed reasons, Austin exited the project, following which Tharun Moorthy stepped in as director in December.
Despite the change in direction, Ratheesh Ravi continues as the film’s writer. The project is reportedly a cop story, placing Mohanlal once again in the uniform, a space that has historically worked well for the actor across decades. More clarity on the character and narrative approach is expected once shooting gets underway.
Cinematography will be handled by Shaji Kumar, who also shot Thudarum. The reunion suggests a continuation of the grounded visual language that defined the earlier collaboration. Other technical details, including music and editing, are expected to be announced shortly.
A packed slate for both actor and director
The film’s commencement comes amid a busy phase for Mohanlal, who has a lineup spanning lead roles, cameos and long-awaited reunions. His first theatrical release of the year will be Drishyam 3, scheduled to hit screens on April 2. The actor will also be seen in cameo appearances in Thudakkam, which marks the acting debut of his daughter Vismaya Mohanlal, and in Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Khalifa. Both films are expected to arrive during the Onam season.
Another notable project on Mohanlal’s slate is Patriot, which will see him reunite onscreen with Mammootty after a long gap, a pairing that continues to generate strong anticipation.
Tharun Moorthy, meanwhile, is balancing multiple large-scale projects alongside L 365. He is set to direct Torpedo, a multistarrer featuring Fahadh Faasil, Naslen, Arjun Das, and Ganapathi. He is also working on Operation Cambodia, headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran, which serves as a sequel to his 2021 film Operation Java.
In addition to the Ashiq Usman production, Mohanlal and Tharun are also said to be planning another project together, to be backed by Thudarum producer M Renjith. For now, however, all eyes are on January 23, as the Mohanlal–Tharun collaboration officially moves from planning to production.
Also Read: Mohanlal’s Drishyam 3 Release Date Announced
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