Mammootty spent two and half days listening to ‘OM’ script; Director Rajkumar Periasamy says the superstar arrived on set fully prepared | Malayalam Movie News
Director Rajkumar Periasamy has shared details about Mammootty‘s preparation for ‘OM – Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood’. The filmmaker revealed that the veteran actor dedicated two and a half days to listening to the complete screenplay before filming began. Mammootty wanted to understand the story, its characters and their individual journeys before stepping onto the sets.During an interview with Galatta Plus, Rajkumar Periasamy recalled how Mammootty arranged a detailed script session at his Kochi residence. The meeting took place around 10 days before the shooting schedule began. Rather than reading his portions alone, the actor wanted the director to narrate the screenplay from beginning to end.
Mammootty’s detailed script preparation
Rajkumar Periasamy said the session covered the entire first half, followed by the second half and additional time for Mammootty’s scenes. The actor listened carefully as the director narrated the material.“He called me to Kochi and spent two and a half days, except for the night hours, where he wanted me to read the script and he would just listen to it. The full first half and then the second half, and the half day for his scenes, so that was his process.”The director explained that Mammootty’s preparation went beyond understanding his character’s dialogues. The actor wanted to follow the screenplay’s overall progression, including the development of every character. He also went through the dialogues of all the characters, starting from the first line.
Actor wanted clarity on every detail
Rajkumar Periasamy said Mammootty used the sessions to raise questions and clarify details about the narrative. The actor was interested in understanding even the smallest elements rather than limiting his preparation to the scenes he had to perform.The filmmaker said this approach helped Mammootty arrive on set completely familiar with the material. He had already understood the story’s structure and the characters’ journeys before the cameras started rolling.“He would want to know more about these… so when he came [to set] he was fully prepared,” said the director.
Dhanush and Mammootty’s chemistry
Rajkumar Periasamy also discussed the casting process and the relationship between Dhanush and Mammootty. He said the film required performers who could bring the necessary chemistry to the screen. The team therefore approached Mammootty and Sai Pallavi, considering their acting abilities.“There is a strong equation between Dhanush and Mammootty. We needed the right actors to bring out the chemistry. We approached Mammootty sir and Sai Pallavi because they are great performers.”
Why the film is titled ‘OM’
The filmmaker further revealed how the title connects with the narrative. The story moves between two temple towns, Tirupati and Thiruvannamalai. The title also has a direct connection to an operation organised by Sai Pallavi’s character, Nithya Reddy. Spirituality is another important element woven into the lives of the characters.“The story is set between two temple towns, Tirupathi and Thiruvannamalai. Also, Sai Pallavi’s Nithya Reddy organizes an operation named OM. Spirituality also plays a major role for every character in the film.”
Release date and cast
‘OM – Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood’ is an action drama headlined by Dhanush. The film features Mammootty, Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela and Naseeruddin Shah in pivotal roles. The project is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 20, 2026.
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