Dileep announces a new film titled Khalasi

Last day, it was announced that Dileep will be starring in a new film titled ‘Khalasi’. Debutant Mithilraj will be directing the film and it will be produced by Gokulam Gopalan’s Sree Gokulam Movies. Anuroop Koylandi, Satheesh and Mithilraj have jointly scripted the film. Details regearing the other cast and crew members, and when shoot begins are not yet known.

Interestingly, the announcement of Dileep’s ‘Khalasi’ came right after director VA Shrikumar announced his new film ‘Mission Konkan’, which is also based on Mappila Khalasis. Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award winner TD Ramakrishnan is scripting that film.

Khalasis are a group of people traditionally employed at ports and dockyards. They have a history dating back to over 2000 years. They are involved in the construction of Urus. Centuries back, the skills of the Khalasi community amazed the sailors and merchants from European and Mediterranean countries, which brought them to Beypore to buy Urus. Khalasis mainly relied on physical strength, skill and teamwork. Huge structures like the Idukki dam, Feroke bridge, Vadakkumbadu bridge and the Mahanadi bridge in Orissa are all testimony to the skills and teamwork of the Khalasi people. Both the films will be based on the Khalasi community.

Though plot details about Dileep’s ‘Khalasi’ have not yet been revealed, ‘Mission Konkan’, will be set in the backdrop of Konkan Railways. VA Shrikumar has planned his film as a pan-Indian project with leading stars from various industries as part of the cast. Hollywood-based technicians will be handling the action sequences. Shoot is scheduled to begin from December.