Rajkumar Periasamy wanted Mammootty first for ‘OM’; ‘The very first pick was Mammootty Sir for the character of Karthikeyan’
Rajkumar Periasamy has opened up about the making of his upcoming movie ‘OM Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood’. The director revealed that Mammootty was the first name on his casting wishlist for the character Karthikeyan.The action entertainer features Dhanush in the lead role. Mammootty, Indrans, Naseeruddin Shah, Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela are also part of the cast. The movie is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 16, 2026.
Mammootty topped Rajkumar Periasamy’s wishlist
Rajkumar Periasamy had a specific group of actors in mind before production began. Mammootty was his first choice for Karthikeyan.“Even before going into principal production, I had a certain wishlist of actors for my cast. The very first pick was Mammootty Sir for the character of Karthikeyan. The same principle applies to all other actors: be it Dhanush, Indrans, Naseeruddin Shah, Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela. When I went to them with the pitch, they readily accepted. I’m delighted with the way things have turned out. And it’s almost complete. Very little patchwork is left,” Rajkumar said in a chat with Variety India.Mammootty’s inclusion gives the movie another major star alongside Dhanush. Earlier, both actors were seen together in the Malayalam film ‘Kammath & Kammath’.
Mammootty wraps up his portions
Mammootty completed his shooting schedule for ‘OM Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood’ in July. His production banner, Mammootty Kampany, shared the update on social media.The banner also posted a video of Mammootty returning to Kochi after completing his portions. “Our Dearest Mammukka is back in Kochi after completing his portions for #OM #Mammootty #MammoottyKampany #Mammukka.”
Rajkumar Periasamy discusses release delays
Rajkumar Periasamy also addressed the changes in release dates often seen in South Indian cinema. He explained that several practical factors can affect a movie’s theatrical schedule.“In the case of ‘OM,’ it’s been genuine post-production reasons or the shooting schedules got delayed due to star dates or location permissions. Often, it is because most filmmakers or producers are eyeing the same important release dates. However, we have a limited number of theatres and therefore, if producers cannot get a date of their choice, they wait for the next better option.”Meanwhile, ‘OM’ is now scheduled to reach cinemas on October 16, 2026.
