Chennai, Oct 6 (NationPress) Renowned Malayalam actor and director Basil Joseph has expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Malayalam superstar Mammootty for the time he spent with him and his family, radiating a warmth and grace that words cannot capture.

Sharing moments on his Instagram, he remarked, "I had the rare honor of enjoying an evening with a legend. It was an experience that overwhelmed us in the gentlest, most heavenly manner, creating lasting memories for our family."

Known for his leading role in the blockbuster Malayalam film 'Ponman', Basil recounted a touching moment when his young daughter looked up at Mammootty and innocently inquired about his name. The legendary actor simply smiled and replied, “Mammootty.”

"That humble response became a cherished memory for us all," Basil reflected. He also mentioned how Mammootty kindly took photos with his own camera, including multiple selfies with his daughter, Hoppey.

"For a few hours, he managed to make us forget his celebrity status and feel like we were just with a close friend. Such grace and warmth are beyond description," Basil concluded in his note, expressing his heartfelt thanks: "Thank you, Mammookka, from the depths of our hearts for your kindness and for giving us an evening we will treasure forever."

Numerous actors and directors responded to Basil Joseph's post, including director Nahas Hidayath and actresses Amala Paul, Sanchana Natarajan, and Nikhila Vimal.

It is notable that Mammootty has returned to the set following an eight-month hiatus. The 74-year-old star, who had stepped away from public life due to health issues, is currently filming director Mahesh Narayanan's highly anticipated action thriller 'Patriot', featuring his close friend Mohanlal.

Director Narayanan confirmed that approximately 60 percent of the movie has been shot, but production faced delays due to Mammootty's treatment in Chennai.

The original plan was to release the film this month, but that schedule is now likely to be revised.