Passenger was a critically acclaimed film released in 2008. The movie starred Dileep and Sreenivasan in lead roles. However, the role of a taxi driver, portrayed by Nedumudi Venu had also received huge appraisal. Director Ranjith Shankar said that he had casted Suraj Venjarammoodu for this role initially, and it was Dileep who suggested Nedumudi Venu for that role. Ranjith revealed this during ‘Dream Drive’ programme in Kaumudi TV.

“We had used two vehicles in ‘Passenger’. One was ofcourse, a train and second one was an ambassador car driven by Nedumudy Venu. It was very challenging to shoot in train. Nedumudy Venu’s character had brought a relief in the story line. Sreenivasan and me had decided to cast Suraj Venjarammoodu to that role. Dileep suggested Nedumudi Venu at that time saying that he might be more suitable for the role than Suraj”, said Ranjith Shankar.