Actor-filmmaker Samuthirakani’s Appa, about parenting and the plight of children in hostels, had emerged as a sleeper hit when it released earlier this year. While the critics panned the film for being self-indulgent and highly preachy, the audiences in B and C centres lapped it up which worked in the film’s favour.

Before the release of the film, Samuthirakani had said he has plans to make Appa in 11 Indian languages as its story is universal and easily relatable. He had said he was already in talks with Mohanlal and Venkatesh to make the film in Malayalam and Telugu, respectively.

According to latest reports, Samuthirakani will helm the Malayalam version and it will star Jayaram in the lead. Although official confirmation is awaited from the makers as well as from Jayaram’s end, we’ve learnt from reliable sources that the Visaaranai actor plans to commence the Malayalam version later this year. Samuthirakani was recently seen in a crucial role in Mohanlal’s Oppam, and this has made him even more popular in the industry.

Talks have also been initiated for the film’s Telugu remake. However, it’s going to take time for the project to materialize as Venkatesh, who was originally approached, is busy shooting for Guru, the Telugu remake of Irudhi Suttru.

(Content provided by Digital Native)