Saif Ali Khan to pick up Kalaripayattu for Oppam's Hindi remake; film to go on floors by year-end

Saif Ali Khan and Bobby Deol

Is it happening? Is it not? For over a year, Saif Ali Khan has been in talks with filmmaker Priyadarshan to adapt the Malayalam movie, Oppam (2016), for the Hindi audience. Now, the actor's plan has finally materialised. Last week, the makers issued a public notice in a film trade magazine, announcing that they have acquired the adaptation rights of the Mohanlal-starrer that was helmed by Priyadarshan. With this, the actor-director duo has set the stage for their remake, which, mid-day has learnt, will go on floors by the year-end.

Priyadarshan

So, what exactly is the Malayalam action thriller all about? Produced by Antony Perumbavoor, it tells the story of Mohanlal's Jayaraman, who is visually challenged, but has a heightened sense of smell, hearing, and touch. When a retired judge is murdered by a man he had wrongly put behind bars, Jayaraman takes it upon himself to protect the judge's daughter. An insider shares that Khan was in talks with Priyadarshan and Oppam's producers since 2023. "In the months that followed, Saif began shooting for Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, and Priyadarshan got busy with his movies. Now, the actor has not only acquired the rights, but also chalked out the shoot dates. The director has started working on the script. The shoot will begin by 2025-end after Saif completes director Rahul Dholakia's next, and Priyadarshan wraps up Bhooth Bangla with Akshay Kumar and Tabu," reveals the insider.

(From left) Meenakshi and Mohanlal in Oppam

Joining Khan in the remake as the antagonist would be Bobby Deol, who is enjoying a successful second innings in Bollywood. Interestingly, Samuthirakani, who portrayed the villain in the original, is also expected to play a pivotal role.

But before the cast faces the camera, Khan will dive into intense prep. A key part of the prep would be picking up Kalaripayattu. The source adds, "Saif will take a two-month break after Rahul's movie, during which he will undergo workshops on playing a blind character. After that, he will head out to Kerala to train in Kalaripayattu, as his character is shown as a skilled martial artist. Saif and Bobby will also sport distinct looks in the movie."