Daughter of Malayalam icon Mohanlal, Vismaya steps into cinema with blessings from her father and industry veterans; Thudakkam to be helmed by 2018 director Jude Anthany Joseph.
Kochi, July 2 – Vismaya Mohanlal, daughter of legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal, is set to make her much-anticipated acting debut in the upcoming film Thudakkam. The project will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph, known for films like Ohm Shanthi Oshaana and 2018, India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2024.
Superstar Mohanlal took to social media platform X to announce the milestone in his daughter’s life. In a heartfelt message, he wrote, “Dear Mayakutty, may your ‘Thudakkam’ be just the first step in a lifelong love affair with cinema.” The veteran actor also tagged key members of the film’s team, including Jude Anthany Joseph, producer Antony Perumbavoor, and Aashirvad Cinemas, which is backing the project.
The production house Aashirvad Cinemas, long associated with Mohanlal’s films, also extended a warm welcome to Vismaya. In a poetic message shared on X, the studio described her as “a new voice, a fresh vision, and the dawn of a luminous new chapter,” and added, “In a world woven with stories, a storyteller emerges, not from shadows, but from light.”
Vismaya, often known by her nickname “Maya Kutty”, is already recognized as a published author. Her book Grains of Stardust, a collection of prose and poetry, was well received for its introspective tone and artistic depth. She now follows in the footsteps of her brother Pranav Mohanlal, who has carved a niche for himself in the Malayalam film industry with roles in films like Aadhi and Hridayam.
Antony Perumbavoor, a close friend of Mohanlal and founder of Aashirvad Cinemas, shared a nostalgic message in Malayalam on his timeline. Posting a childhood photo of Vismaya in his arms, he used the film’s title Thudakkam – meaning “Beginning” – to wish her luck. “All the best, Maya Kutty!” he wrote, conveying his personal and professional support.
Director Jude Anthany Joseph brings a powerful reputation to the project. His most recent film 2018 not only turned out to be a commercial and critical success but also earned the distinction of being India’s official Oscar submission. Known for his sensitive storytelling and ability to connect emotionally with audiences, Joseph’s collaboration with Vismaya is already drawing significant attention from fans and film industry insiders alike.
The announcement of Thudakkam has generated excitement not just because of the debutante but also due to the creative team backing it. With a respected director, a reputed production house, and the legacy of one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars, Vismaya’s debut is being keenly watched as a new chapter in Malayalam cinema unfolds.
As she steps into the limelight, Vismaya carries with her not just the hopes of her family and fans, but also a strong literary and creative background that may well shape her as one of the most promising new faces in the industry.