Mammootty and Adoor Gopalakrishnan have formally set their long-awaited reunion in motion, with the makers announcing the title of their new film as Padayaatra as shooting began on Friday. The project marks the first time in 32 years that the two icons of Malayalam cinema have come together, following their earlier collaborations on Anantaram, Mathilukal and Vidheyan, all of which are considered landmark works in Indian cinema.
Title reveal marks the start of a historic reunion
The film is being produced by Mammootty under his own banner, MammoottyKampany, which has, in recent years, emerged as one of the most filmmaker-friendly production houses in Malayalam cinema. By backing Padayaatra, the company is also reviving one of the most respected creative partnerships the industry has ever seen.
Adoor has co-written the film with author and former IAS officer KV Mohan Kumar, who has previously scripted films such as Keshu, Clint and Aaro Oraal. While the makers are yet to reveal plot details, the combination of Adoor’s introspective storytelling and Mammootty’s chameleonic screen presence has already made the project one of the most anticipated Malayalam films currently in production.
The cast of Padayaatra includes Grace Antony, Indrans and Pombalai Orumai fame Sreeshma Chandran in key roles. For Grace Antony, the film represents a significant milestone in her career, placing her in a project driven by one of the most revered filmmakers in the country. Sharing her excitement on social media, the actor wrote, “Sometimes life gives you the biggest surprises. Forever grateful for this one. Proof that dreams really do come true. Nothing more an actor can ask for!!”
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Proudly Presenting The Title Poster of Our Production No.8 “Padayaatra” Directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan.#Mammootty #AdoorGopalakrishnan #Padayaatra #MammoottyKampany #WayfarerFilms pic.twitter.com/aqwWTZayzm
— MammoottyKampany (@MKampanyOffl) January 23, 2026
A trusted MammoottyKampany team comes together again
On the technical front, Padayaatra reunites Mammootty with several of his recent collaborators. Shehnad Jalal, who shot the actor’s critically acclaimed Bramayugam, serves as the film’s cinematographer. Editing duties rest with Praveen Prabhakar, while music is being composed by Mujeeb Majeed and production design is handled by Shajie Naduvil. All three were also part of Mammootty’s recent release Kalamkaval, making this a familiar and well-tested creative unit.
The Mammootty-Adoor partnership occupies a special place in the history of Malayalam cinema. Anantaram is often cited for its daring narrative structure, Mathilukal for its restrained yet deeply moving romance, and Vidheyan for delivering one of the most celebrated performances of Mammootty’s career. Together, the films not only expanded the language of Malayalam cinema but also brought international attention to Adoor’s distinct cinematic voice.
With Padayaatra now on floors, the project stands as more than just another high-profile collaboration. It is the revival of a creative dialogue that once helped define an era of serious, artistically ambitious filmmaking in Kerala. Backed by MammoottyKampany and anchored by a cast that blends experience with new energy, the film is poised to be one of the most closely watched Malayalam releases to come out of this production cycle.
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As shooting progresses, industry-watchers and audiences alike will be keen to see what this fourth collaboration yields. For now, the announcement of Padayaatra and the start of filming have already made it one of the most significant stories in Malayalam cinema this year.
Also Read: Mammootty’s Kalamkaval All Set For OTT Premiere After Theatrical Run
