‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ revives interest in ‘Anna’; Tomichan Mulakupadam eyes big-screen revival of 30-year-old Arvind Swamy project

After nearly three decades, the long-shelved Malayalam film Anna is set for a new beginning. The project, which was originally planned by veteran filmmaker Joshiy, has returned to the spotlight after its song “Yavanakathayile Idayakanyake” gained renewed attention through Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju’s Bethlehem Kudumba Unit. Producer Tomichan Mulakupadam has now acquired the rights to Anna through Mulakupadam Films.

Tomichan announced the development on the 10th anniversary of Pulimurugan, which he produced and which became the first Malayalam film to enter the Rs 100-crore club. In his announcement, the producer said he intends to take the story and memories associated with Anna to a new generation through new writers, with the film to be presented with changes suited to the times. He also said that details regarding the director and cast would be announced later.

The renewed interest in Anna began after “Yavanakathayile Idayakanyake”, composed by Ouseppachan and sung by K. J. Yesudas, featured in Bethlehem Kudumba Unit and became popular with a new generation of listeners. The song was originally recorded for Anna, which had been planned as a love story centred on Hari, a Brahmin youth serving as the Devikulam Sub-Collector, and Anna, a Christian woman. Arvind Swamy and Sridevi were originally attached to the lead roles.

Anna had been conceived in the 1990s from a story by writer N. Mohanan and developed for the screen with Joshiy. The project progressed considerably, including the recording of eight songs by Ouseppachan before filming, but it was eventually shelved amid scheduling and other production issues. The project never reached the screen. Later accounts have also shed light on the mystery surrounding its screenplay, which is believed to have gone missing.

With Tomichan Mulakupadam now acquiring the rights from Mohanan’s family, Anna is being given another chance nearly 30 years after the original project came to a halt. While reports have suggested that discussions may be underway with Joshiy, his involvement in the new version has not been officially confirmed. For now, the new writers, director and cast remain under wraps.