Ahead of the release of OM – Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood, director Rajkumar Periasamy has shared insights into how veteran actor Mammootty prepared for his role. According to the filmmaker, the actor dedicated two and a half days to listening to the complete screenplay at his residence in Kochi roughly 10 days before the filming schedule commenced.
During an interview with Galatta Plus, Periasamy explained that Mammootty requested a comprehensive narration of the script rather than focusing solely on his own scenes. The sessions covered the first and second halves of the movie, along with additional time dedicated to the actor’s specific portions. Periasamy noted that Mammootty reviewed the dialogue of every character to better understand the narrative structure and the overall progression of the story.
The director stated that this approach allowed Mammootty to arrive on set with complete familiarity with the material. Beyond merely memorizing lines, the actor used the time to ask questions and seek clarity on minor details regarding the plot and the journeys of various characters. This process of preparation was intended to ensure the actor was fully aligned with the director's vision before cameras started rolling.
Periasamy also addressed the casting of the film, noting that the production required performers capable of establishing strong chemistry. The team approached both Mammootty and Sai Pallavi due to their reputations as accomplished actors. The director further clarified the significance of the title, explaining that it relates to operations organized by Nithya Reddy, the character played by Sai Pallavi, while also incorporating spiritual elements. The story is set across temple towns, including Tirupati and Thiruvannamalai.
Key facts
- Mammootty plays the character Burma Karthikeyan in the film.
- The script sessions took place at Mammootty's residence in Kochi about 10 days before shooting began.
- The film OM – Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026.
- The narrative of the movie involves locations in Tirupati and Thiruvannamalai.
Why it matters
The film features a collaboration between lead actors Mammootty, Dhanush, and Sai Pallavi. The director highlighted that the project required specific casting to ensure the necessary chemistry between the primary performers on screen.
Source: Times of India, Hindustan Times
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