South Asia-focused streaming platform ZEE5 Global is set to launch “Manorathangal,” a nine-part Malayalam-language anthology series premiering August 15. The project celebrates the 90-year legacy of literary icon M.T. Vasudevan Nair and brings together top South Indian talent.
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Penned by Nair himself, the series explores human duality against Kerala’s backdrop. Kamal Haasan introduces the anthology in which each story probes the interplay between noble and primal human impulses.
The anthology boasts a roster of A-list actors and directors. Mohanlal stars in “Olavum Theeravum” (“Ripples and the River Bank”), directed by Priyadarshan. Mammootty leads “Kadugannava Oru Yathra Kurippu” (“Kadugannava: A Travel Note”), helmed by Ranjith. Priyadarshan also directs “Shilalikhitam” (“Inscriptions”) featuring Biju Menon. Parvathy Thiruvothu stars in Shyamaprasad’s “Kazhcha” (“Vision”), while Aswathy Nair directs Madhoo and Asif Ali in “Vilpana” (“The Sale”).
Fahadh Faasil leads Mahesh Narayanan’s “Sherlock.” Jayarajan Nair directs an ensemble cast, including Kaillash, Indrans and Nedumudi Venu, in “Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam” (“When the Doors of Heaven Open”). Santosh Sivan helms “Abhyam Theedi Veendum” (“Once Again, In Search of Refuge”), starring Siddhique. The anthology concludes with “Kadalkkaattu” (“Sea Breeze”), starring Indrajith and Aparna Balamurali and directed by Rathish Ambat.
Manish Kalra, ZEE5 India’s chief business officer, emphasized the project’s significance in showcasing Malayalam-language cinema’s creativity. To broaden its appeal, “Manorathangal” will be dubbed in the Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu languages.
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Archana Anand, chief business officer at ZEE5 Global, stated: “Stories have the power to transcend borders and ‘Manorathangal’ is a perfect example of this universal appeal.”
Priyadarshan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Nair. “I have fulfilled a big dream,” he stated, referring to his segments.
Mammootty praised Nair’s ability to stay relevant across generations. He described the project as “a piece of M.T.’s soul” and noted the rarity of anthology films in Malayalam cinema. “‘Manorathangal’ will be an anthology that can be presented with pride, a vision running through the mind of the writer,” the actor said. “The film was shot in Sri Lanka and aims to evoke nostalgia among those who grew up reading M.T.’s works.”
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