Before Tharun Moorthy attracted wide notice and praise for delivering a surprise blockbuster with Mohanlal-starrer Thudarum, he made two films with actors from Malayalam cinema who are not considered A-listers, but are effortless actors who deliver their best in the hands of a filmmaker who is particular about every department. Out of the two films, Operation Java and Saudi Vellakka, the first one, despite featuring no big names, became a surprise hit, that too, during the pandemic, when theatres reopened in Kerala for the first time.
The superlative storytelling approach, competent performances, and A-grade output from all technical departments ensured a great time at the cinema. The film centered on a group of police officers investigating different cases, and benefited from a fresh approach. Instead of focusing on one case, it handled three, with one popular actor, Shine Tom Chacko, leading the investigation of the third case, in the film's tension-packed last hour. Moreover, the endearing dynamic between the lead characters makes them worthy of one or more films in a continuing series.
On Thursday, Tharun Moorthy announced that his Thudarum follow-up will be the sequel to Operation Java, titled Operation Cambodia. He also dropped another surprise: an A-lister has signed the sequel, Prithviraj Sukumaran. The Ayyappanum Koshiyum actor will be joining the first film’s main cast members: Binu Pappu, Lukman Avaran, Balu Varghese, Alexander Prasanth, and Irshad Ali, among others. Also returning are composer Jakes Bejoy and cinematographer Faiz Siddik.
While Prithviraj's character details are being kept under wraps, the superstar is expected to play a police officer, a choice that should do wonders at the box office when the film finally hits theatres.
Prithviraj, who has played complex police officers in the past, most notably in films like Mumbai Police, Memories, and Vargam, should neatly fit into the Operation Java franchise since the lead characters' personal lives get equal prominence aside from the cases they investigate. And since Tharun has by now become a reliable name, the combined weight of all these talents should bring more attention, unlike the first outing. And those who missed (or ignored) that film are probably seeking it out now.