Kochi, Oct 30 (NationPress) Vismaya Mohanlal, the daughter of the esteemed Malayalam film icon and Dadasaheb Phalke award recipient Mohanlal, is poised to embark on her acting journey with the film 'Thudakkam', which is helmed by director Jude Anthany Joseph and produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Aashirvad Cinemas.

The auspicious puja ceremony for the film took place in Kochi on Thursday, symbolizing a significant moment for two of the most illustrious families in Malayalam cinema.

During the ceremony, Mohanlal expressed his surprise at both his children choosing the film industry as their career path. He reminisced, “When I was in Class 6, I won the best actor award - so did my son Appu (Pranav). But I never thought I’d become an actor, nor that my children would. My daughter is named Vismaya because my life has always been full of surprises,” he shared.

“When she chose to act, we provided her with our complete backing. Now, both my children must put in the effort – I can merely serve as a catalyst.”

Mohanlal humorously pointed out that Antony Perumbavoor’s son also plays a significant role in the film, saying, “Antony’s son too has a major role - but this is not a family affair,” which evoked laughter from the audience.

Producer Antony Perumbavoor described the undertaking as “something that cannot be expressed in words,” emphasizing that Vismaya’s decision to act was a mutual agreement.

“Jude has now become like an extended family member,” he added.

Mohanlal’s wife, Suchithra, shared her emotional sentiments on this special day, stating, “I speak as Vismaya’s mother, not as Mohanlal's wife. When she was eight and Appu was 12, we made a small home movie. This year is remarkable - Lal received the Phalke Award, Appu has a new film release, and Vismaya begins her journey,” Suchitra expressed.

Director Jude Anthany Joseph admitted he felt “more tense than Vismaya,” describing the experience as surreal. “I grew up as a fan of Mohanlal - and now I’m directing his daughter,” he remarked.

Antony’s son Ashish Perumbavoor, who also stars in Thudakkam, expressed his excitement and pride as both families unite for this extraordinary project.

Aashirvad Cinemas, founded in 1999 by Antony Perumbavoor, who was once Mohanlal's trusted driver, has since grown to become a powerhouse in Malayalam cinema. In 2000, Perumbavoor secured a call sheet from Mohanlal, producing the hit Narasimham, which laid the groundwork for the production house's success.