Fresh off the acclaim and commercial traction of last year’s Thudarum, Mohanlal and filmmaker Tharun Moorthy are wasting no time in extending their creative partnership. Their new film, currently titled L 366, went on floors on Friday, marking the start of what is already shaping up to be one of Malayalam cinema’s most closely watched collaborations of the year.
A reunion powered by Thudarum’s momentum
The project is produced by Ashiq Usman Productions, a banner that has steadily built a reputation for mounting star-driven yet story-focused films. The screenplay comes from Ratheesh Ravi, whose previous credits include Pullikkaran Staraa, Ishq, Adi and Maharani. Ravi’s work has often leaned into emotionally grounded, character-driven storytelling, making him a fitting choice for a film that aims to marry scale with intimacy.
For Tharun Moorthy, L 366 is another step in a career that has steadily moved from indie-textured realism to mainstream narratives without losing its rooted sensibility. Thudarum was widely appreciated for balancing Mohanlal’s star presence with a carefully observed emotional arc. That balance appears to be the template once again, even though the new film moves into very different genre territory.
Starting this journey with gratitude as I join the sets of #L366. Thankful for all your blessings and prayers. pic.twitter.com/tWi3qVjv0P
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) January 23, 2026
Mohanlal’s return to khaki and a striking new look
One of the biggest talking points around L 366 is Mohanlal’s role. The actor is reportedly playing a police officer, marking his return to the uniform after a significant gap. While Mohanlal has portrayed law-enforcers memorably across decades, from intense investigators to weary, morally conflicted cops, this casting immediately raises expectations of a performance that blends authority with layered vulnerability.
Adding to the intrigue is Mohanlal’s physical transformation for the film. The superstar has shaved off his beard and is sporting his trademark handlebar moustache for the first time since Odiyan. The look, already doing the rounds on social media through on-set glimpses, has triggered a wave of nostalgia among fans who associate the style with some of his most iconic screen phases. It also hints at a character who might lean more towards old-school grit than contemporary slickness.
The casting of Meera Jasmine as the female lead further deepens the sense of déjà vu in the best possible way. She reunites with Mohanlal after Rasathanthram, Innathe Chinthavishayam and Ladies and Gentleman. Their on-screen chemistry has long been a favourite among audiences, often grounded in warmth and emotional credibility rather than overt melodrama. Meera also made a cameo appearance in the superstar’s Hridayapoorvam last year, but L 366 marks her first full-fledged return opposite Mohanlal in years.
ചുമ്മാ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MUPxQuvjRX
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) January 23, 2026
A trusted technical team and a bigger canvas
Behind the camera, Tharun Moorthy has chosen continuity. Much of the core technical team from Thudarum has been retained, a move that signals creative stability and shared shorthand. Cinematographer Shaji Kumar returns to lens the film, bringing with him the same grounded visual style that helped Thudarum feel both intimate and cinematic. Music director Jakes Bejoy and sound designer Vishnu Govind are also back on board, ensuring that the sonic identity remains cohesive and immersive.
The only major new addition is editor Vivek Harshan, whose presence suggests a slightly different rhythm and pacing might be on the cards. Harshan’s past work has often been praised for its tightness and narrative clarity, qualities that could be crucial in a cop-centric drama that is likely to juggle investigation, emotion and suspense.
Interestingly, L 366 is not the only collaboration in the pipeline for Mohanlal and Tharun. The duo is also set to team up on another project to be produced by M Renjith, who previously backed Thudarum. This double-header partnership underlines the confidence that both star and director seem to have in each other’s creative instincts.
While plot details of L 366 are still tightly under wraps, the combination of Mohanlal’s return to a police role, Meera Jasmine’s reunion, and a proven creative team makes it one of the most anticipated Malayalam films currently in production. If Thudarum was about rediscovering a shared cinematic language, L 366 looks poised to push that language into bolder, more thrilling territory.
Also Read: Mohanlal–Tharun Moorthy Film All Set to Go on Floors
