Mohanlal who made his presence felt in Malayalam films as a villain, way back in 1980 through Fazil’s ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’ had gone on to become one of the most adored stars that Kerala has ever seen. Though his debut film was ‘Thiranottam’, it was ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’ that had catapulted him to fame, and ever since he has never ever turned back. Three decades and a few years later, Lalettan, as he is fondly called millions of his fans worldwide has just had a release in 2013 with ‘Ladies and Gentleman’.

Balcony Beats wishes the actor many happy returns of the day, and an even more productive career ahead!

It’s renowned cinematographer Azhagappan who says that he has felt that Mohanlal is like a magician in front of the camera. “It’s impossible to predict the emotions and feelings that would flash across his face, and often he would astound us with his performance,” says the cameraman.

“Mammootty is an embodiment of masculinity, no doubt and he puts any cinematographer to unrest with his mere presence,” says Azhagappan. Azhagappan also adds that Dileep has often surprised him as an actor.

Mohanlal would play a retired military communication expert in the film that would tell a story happening in Hyderabad within a span of six days.

Prakash Raj would also be seen in a key role in the film that would be shot entirely in Hyderabad. The film would be Mohanlal’s Onam release this year.

Siddique remembers that while shooting the film, Mohanlal would transform into the character within a matter of seconds. When asked how he is able to do it, Lal would reply that its the character within him at work.

“These are the words of an incredibly talented artist,” says Siddique. Siddique was interacting with a prominent Malayalam film magazine when he made the revelations.

However, reports have been pouring in from all around that Gautham’s second film would have Mammootty playing the lead instead of Mohanlal. It has also been reported that Gautham had met up with the actor to narrate the story, and that Mammootty who was impressed by the script has given the go-ahead nod to Gautham.

We would only know for sure when Gautham himself makes the announcements as to who would play the protagonist in his new film. As of now, let’s wait and watch.

It was initially reported that Suresh Gopi would also be playing a key role in the film. However, since the actor is busy with the reality show ‘Kodeeshwaran’ and because he has to shoot for the remaining portions of Shankar’s Tamil film, he will not be a part of ‘Mr. Fraud’.

Another accomplished actor would be roped in to replace Suresh Gopi, and the film is expected to go on the floors in three months time.

Mohanlal had started off a contest titled the “TCA Contest”, on his blog, TCA standing for The Complete Actor, which happens to be the actor’s website.

The question was published on the website and the answer and winners announced later. Now that sure is a different kind of a quiz.

Mohanlal feels that the character that he played in the film, that of a suave investigative officer is very different from the usual cop roles that he has played till date, and hence hols it extremely close to his heart.

The film was directed by Salam Palappetty, a former associate of Lal Jose, and also starred Fahad Fazil and Asif Ali in key roles.

Nowrunning states that it very rarely rises above the status of a routine murder mystery: “Salaam Baapu’s directorial debut ‘Red Wine’ starts off with one of the best scenes in the film marked by a deft stroke by the director that emphatically proclaims his arrival. Sadly though, it’s a drop down for the film thereafter, as it meanders along conventional plains towards a disappointing denouement.”

Rediff thinks the film is worth a watch: “Red Wine, directed by Salam Bappu (who has been assisting Lal Jose for the last decade or so) is one such experiment, with a subject that looks like a pure whodunnit on the surface. But if you dig a little, you understand that this is the story of two characters who are exactly the opposite, with the third character trying to solve the puzzle of their lives.”

Sify feels its neither good nor bad: “Red Wine is not bad, but it is not great either. If you are not looking forward to some modern pattern or a different narrative style, the film may be a fine option as well. The choice is all yours.”

The character that Mohanlal plays in the film is a don, reminiscent of the character of Godfather played by Marlon Brando in the Francis Ford Coppola classic.

Poornima Bhagyaraj would be Mohanlal’s female lead, and ‘Jilla’ that would be shot on a budget of sixty crores by debutante director Neshan would release for next Pongal.