Leela: Mammootty as Kuttiyappan, Karthika Nair heroine

'Leela', one of the most expected malayalam project in 2013 is again making news with a shuffle in the lead characters. Based on 'Leela', a short story written by R Unni, the movie which would come under the same name will be directed by Ranjith. Earlier it was reported that Mohalal was roped to do the lead hero 'Kuttiyappan', later he was replaced by Shankar Ramakrishnan.

But now it is heard that Mammootty has been credited with the role. The director who had captained movies including 'Kayyoppu', 'Pranjiyettan and the Saint' with Mammootty in lead has yet again bagged the dates of the actor to play the character of Kuttiyappan'. It is also known that Prithviraj too has nodded to join the project which is expected to start rolling from April this year. Previously, both actors had joined for hit movies One way Ticket and Pokkiri Raja and another project titled 'Arival Chuttika Nakshatram 3D' is on cards which will begin shooting at the end of the year.

Ranjith's home production Capitol Theatres which cash for 'Leela' will bring Mammootty and Prithviraj under the same hood with Karthika Nair playing the title character. Prithviraj will don the role as the friends of Kuttiyappan. The movie will be a landmark for all artists who are to give life to various characters.

Nedumudi Venu, another brilliant actor would be playing the character of Pillechen along with a bunch of theatre artists in other important roles. Another highlight of the movie will be the presence of director Shyama Prasad who would set the tunes. The shooting of the movie will be completed at various locations at Thiruvanathapuram, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Wayand. Prominent cinematographer Venu will wield the camera for the movie.

'Kuttiyappan', with no doubt would be rare opportunity for megastar Mammootty to bring his best performance through 'Leela'. After the grand success of 'Bavoottiyude Namathil', his 'Kammath and Kammath' has reached theatres a day ago.

Karthika Nair daughter of former Indian actress Radha is getting huge projects in malayalam after making her mollywood debut with Lenin Rajendran's 'Makaramanju'. She would be in cloud nine being the leading heroine in Kammath and Kammath and getting handful of projects including Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum, Deal (Tamil) and malayalam movie Gold.