Priyan-Mohanlal back after eight years for a comedy

Kochi, Feb 27 (IANS) The dream team of ace filmmaker Priyadarshan and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who gave blockbusters like 'Boeing Boeing' and 'Thalavattam', have teamed up after a gap of eight years for the comedy 'Arabiyum, Ottakavum, P. Madhavan Nairum'.

Speaking to IANS just before boarding his flight to Abu Dhabi, which would be the main location for their new film, Priyadarshan said he is excited because it has been seven years since he did a Malayalam film.

'It has been on the cards for long for both of us to do a film together and finally it has happened,' said the 54-year-old whose is making films for 27 years.

His first film was 1984 'Poochakkoru Mookkuthi' that had Mohanlal in the lead role and last time they came together for 2003 release 'Kilichundan Maampazham '. Their other hits are 'Vellanakalude Nadu', 'Chithram', 'Vandanam', 'Kilukkam', 'Mithunam' and 'Thenmavin Kombath'.

Priyadarshan, whose last Malayalam movie was Dileep starrer 'Vettam' that was released in 2004, was here for the past few days shooting the theme song for the Indian Premier League's Kochi team, Indi Commandos.

'Now we will be in Abu Dhabi for the next 45 days filming my new flick. The story demanded that the location should be a beautiful Middle East city and we are delighted that we have got full support from the Abu Dhabi government,' said Priyadarshan.

The film also stars Laxmi Rai and Bhavana, and is a joint venture with a UAE partner. This Priyadarshan's 82nd film and will also feature Mukesh in a significant role.