Jayaram has scored big after taking a short hiatus from Malayalam cinema with his comeback Abraham Ozler. Helmed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, it sees Jayaram as an insomniac investigating a series of peculiar murders. In addition, the film also features Mammootty in a pivotal role. However, Jayaram was sceptical about why Midhun wanted him to play the titular character. In an interview with Film Companion, the director talks about his unconventional casting choices, his foray into thrillers and more.
It’s no wonder that Jayaram was sceptical as many seem surprised by Midhun’s conviction in casting the actor in such an off-kilter part that is usually outside his wheelhouse as a performer. Midhun says. “Even when I was making Anjaam Pathiraa (2020), I wanted to cast someone who had previously not done a dark subject matter. That aspect itself infuses some freshness into the narrative and that’s why I cast Kunchacko Boban in the lead. Similarly, for Abraham Ozler, I wanted to cast someone who would feel fresh for the part. I liked the character of Ozler who is a senior police officer weighed down by a tragic past. It’s a very complex character and so I needed a seasoned actor but also someone who looks fresh in such a milieu. So we wanted to rope in Jayaram sir.” But when Midhun approached the actor, the latter’s reaction was quite startling, we are told. Although Jayaram loved the script, he asked if the director was sure that he must play the lead role. Midhun adds, “Jayaram sir was doubtful whether I really had him in mind for this character. But I told him that he was my Ozler and there was no turning back now. He even called me again to see if I was really convinced. I told him we came looking for the story and since you liked the story, there is nothing else to think about. I also quipped that if he wasn’t doing the film, I might even drop the project altogether. That’s how he finally agreed.”