Among the most anticipated upcoming theatrical releases is Mohanlal's 2007 hit Chotta Mumbai, which will be releasing in remastered 4K in screens across Kerala on June 6. It was originally planned for a May 21 release.
The makers have confirmed that the first day-first show will commence at 10:00 am. It is expected to do wonders at the box office after Mohanlal's other profitable re-releases like Manichithrathazhu and Spadikam.
Directed by Anwar Rasheed ("Ustad Hotel", "Rajamanikyam"), Chotta Mumbai is regarded as one of Mohanlal's most enjoyable post-2000 entertainers with the "vintage Lalettan" vibe. The film is a perfect example of a masala entertainer that has all the necessary ingredients to appeal to family audiences, for big-screen or home viewing. The remastered version has been tailored for release on 4k Dolby Atmos screens.
Scripted by Benny P. Nayarambalam and co-produced by actor Maniyanpilla Raju, Chotta Mumbai has Mohanlal playing 'Vasco da Gama' aka 'Thala', a gang leader who runs a scam operation with his buddies residing in Kochi. Serious troubles begin with the entry of a corrupt police officer, essayed by Kalabhavan Mani, who disrupt their peaceful existence.
Aside from Mohanlal, the cast features some of the most revered actors who are not with us anymore, namely Rajan P Dev, Cochin Haneefa, and Kalabhavan Mani. The other principal actors include Bhavana, Jagathy Sreekumar, Vinayakan, Maniyanpilla Raju, Siddique, Sai Kumar, and Indrajith Sukumaran, among others.
A remix version of the song 'Chettikulangara Bharani Naalil' from actor Prem Nazir's 1975 film Sindhu became an instant hit, with the visualisation featuring Mohanlal in a retro costume turning into one of the oft-repeated videos on social media, especially on Instagram reels. The original version, composed by M.K. Arjunan and written by Sreekumaran Thampi, was sung by Yesudas and the remix, M.G. Sreekumar.