Vidya Balan Approached for Kamal's Film Based on Kamala Surayya's Life

Malayalam film director Kamaluddin Mohammed (Kamal) is planning to cast Vidya Balan in his upcoming project based on famous Indian English poet Kamala Surayya.

The award winning director feels that Vidya will fit perfectly for this character. "The story of this film revolves around Madhavikutty's (pen name of Kamala Surayya) creative and personal life. I mentioned about the film and its character to Vidya when I met her at a private function and she said she is interested to be part of it. The conceptualization of the film is in its beginning stage and no matter regarding the film is finalized yet. We are planning to start the shooting of the film by next year", said Kamal to Mathrubhumi.

Surayya was an icon in the Indian literary world and led a controversial life. She was known for her openness and honest treatment of sexuality in her writing. She, who was born to a traditional Hindu Nair family in Kerala also hit the controversies when she converted to Islam at the age of 65.

Vidya Balan, who is one of the most desired actresses in Bollywood was supposed to start her film career with a Malayalam film "Chakram" but the project got shelved in the midway. Later, Balan made her entry into Malayalam with her guest appearance in Santhosh Sivan's epic film "Urumi" as 'Makam'. She is currently awaiting the release of "Bobby Jasoos," in which she plays the character Bobby, who wants to become the number one detective in Hyderabad.

Kamal, three times national award winner, is known for his classic movies like "Mazhayethum Munpe", "Meghamalhar", "Madhuranombarakattu", "Rappakal" and many more. In 2013, he came back with the biopic film "Celluloid" based on the life of J.C.Daniel, the father of Malayalam cinema, who made the first silent film "Vigathakumaran" in the year 1928. The film won him national award for the best feature film in Malayalam and state award for the best film.

Kamal is currently in the pre production work of his new film with Mammootty. It has been 8 years since the duo have done a film together. Their last film together was "Karuthapakshikal" in 2006 which was again one of the best films by Kamal. Mammootty will be playing the character of a villager in this upcoming flick. The shooting of the film is expected to kick start by September.