Cinema VinesMalayalam director Jude Anthany Joseph has revealed that he walked away from a project starring Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana after a disagreement over the role of Malayalam legend Mohanlal. According to Joseph, the production house had asked him to finish the screenplay before confirming any cast, and when he insisted that Mohanlal be guaranteed a part, the team responded that they would only consider “secondary artists” after approving the script. The director took the remark as an insult to the veteran actor and decided to leave the film.
Speaking to Club FM, Joseph explained that he had received offers from several Tamil and Telugu production houses for his story, but chose to develop it with Khurrana because he envisioned it as a “proper Bollywood film.” He had already drafted a basic script before approaching the production house, and Mohanlal’s character had been integral to the plot. When the producers demanded he finish the screenplay first, Joseph made it clear that his condition for proceeding was the confirmation of Mohanlal’s role.
When the team replied that they would only think about “secondary artists” after liking the script, Joseph felt the term “secondary artist” was disrespectful toward one of the country’s finest actors. He said the comment was the tipping point that led him to withdraw from the project. Joseph later involved a lawyer and had the production house sign a non‑disclosure agreement before exiting.
Joseph, who debuted with the critically acclaimed Ohm Shanthi Oshaana in 2014, has directed films such as Oru Muthassi Gadha (2016) and Sara’s (2021). His 2018 film earned positive reviews and grossed around ₹200 crore. He also directed Thudakkam (2016), which marked the acting debut of Mohanlal’s daughter Vismaya Mohanlal.
