Spin-off films are made by introducing characters from other movies ie., a character from an old movie plays a key role in the latest flick.
Published Oct 21, 2023 | 11:20 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 21, 2023 | 11:20 AM
Spin-off films are the in thing in Malayalam. (X)
Even as the entire business model of Indian cinema has changed, especially after the advent of OTT, Malayalam directors and actors are leaving no stone unturned to woo the audience to theatres.
And, they seem to have found the new mantra — spin-off films.
Spin-off films aren’t new to Bollywood. Projects like Judwaa 2 (2017), Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya (2017), and Naam Shabana (2017) are considered spin-off movies.
Before going further, let’s know what the concept is all about.
Everyone is well-versed with sequels and prequels by now. Thanks to director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Tamil blockbuster Vikram (2022), a new term has emerged in the Indian cinema — Universe.
“Universe” means a separate film like the Marvel and DC films where the characters from different flicks share the screen space with one another in new projects.
Lokesh is a master in this, and his latest release Leo, featuring Vjay and Trisha in the lead, is part of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe.
So, spin-off films are basically made by introducing characters from other movies. For instance, a character from an old movie plays a crucial role in the spin-off.
Now, let’s check the upcoming spin-off films in Malayalam.
Sureshinteyum Sumalatha Yudeyum Hridhaya Haariyaya Pranayakadha is directed by Ratheesh Balakrishna Poduval who earlier helmed Nna Thaan Case Kodu (2022).
Kunchako Boban, who appeared as Kozhumal Rajeev in Nna Thaan Case Kodu, will play a significant role in Sureshinteyum Sumalatha Yudeyum Hridhaya Haariyaya Pranayakadha.
Suresh and Sumalatha are two major characters in Nna Thaan Case Kodu.
Ratheesh decided to make a film featuring their love story and claimed that this was the first spin-off movie in Malayalam.
Meanwhile, Nna Thaan Case Kodu producer Santosh T Kuruvia, in an interview, said that the director didn’t inform him about the spin-off film and that he learnt about it only through news reports.
However, he said he won’t file any legal cases as a huge money has been invested in the forthcoming flick and it would only pose a problem to the entire crew.
Aavesham is a new Malayalam movie directed by Jithu Madhavan, who debuted with the sensational hit Romancham (2023).
In an interview, Chemban Vinod Jose said his character of Sayeed in Romancham will also be part of Aavesham where Fahadh Faasil will appear as the protagonist.
Aavesham is based on the real-life experiences of director Jithu Madhavan.
In the flick, Fahadh Faasil is expected to play the role of a gang leader in a college.
Director Haneef Adeni is experimenting with the character of Marco, which had negative shades, from Nivin Pauly‘s Mikhael (2018) for his new movie with the same name.
Mikhael was a box office dud. Earlier, reports emerged about a separate movie being made by Unni Mukundan for Marco’s character.
Unni Mukundan recently shared that the new film based on Marco will go on floors soon. An announcement poster was also released by the makers online.
Let’s hope that this spin-off will do wonders at the box office.
Haneef Adeni’s previous film with Nivin Pauly, Ramachandra Boss & Co. didn’t do well at the box office.
Dasamoolam Damu is a comic character played by Suraj Venjaramoodu in Mammooty’s superhit movie Chattambi Naadu (2009). The comic character earned a cult status with several trolls and memes getting shared on social media.
Director Shafi said he has plans to do a standalone film based on Dasamoolam Damu. Ratheesh Balakrishna Poduval will reportedly direct the film.
Ratheesh helmed superhit comedy films such as Android Kunjappan (2019) and Nna Thaan Case Kodu.
