'CBI 5': Kannada actor/director Harish Raj to play 'wicked businessman'
What's the story
Did Mammootty-led CBI 5 finally get its main antagonist?
Kannada actor and director Harish Raj will be seen in the role of a "wicked businessman" in this highly anticipated investigative drama.
Reportedly, Raj is currently in Kochi shooting for the film.
Meanwhile, Mammootty, who plays the people's favorite CBI sleuth Sethurama Iyer, had hit the sets last year in December.
Context
Why does the story matter?
The previous installments in the CBI franchise have done excellent business, barring the fourth one.
So, the stakes are pretty high for the fifth edition, as director K Madhu wants to replicate the mammoth success seen by the first three installments.
This is where adding Raj to the cast looks like a good move as he has proven his track record with negative roles.
Quote
'Looking forward to interacting with Mammootty sir'
Raj told The Times Of India that his character's name is Sam.
Raj described Sam as a "wicked businessman who is ready to go to any extent to make a profit."
"I don a beard to sport a rugged look. I am looking forward to interacting with Mammootty sir who is the superstar of the South Indian film industry," he added.
Quote
Plenty of discussion around my character: Raj
"There is plenty of discussion around my character which takes the story forward and which made me accept the project," Raj said, adding, "I enjoy doing such characters which require different mannerisms. I think Malayalam film-goers love me in negative characters."
Details
Visitors, media barred from film set
The team attached to CBI 5 is maintaining top secrecy around the film. That is why there are hardly any photos or videos from the set.
Visitors and media personnel have been barred from entering the set since the makers intend to keep the entire plot under wraps.
Reportedly, only Mammootty knows the climax of this film and has read the full script.
Update
What else we know of 'CBI 5'?
Though Jakes Bejoy will compose its music, the signature background score of the CBI franchise, originally composed by Shyam, might be retained in the film.
Besides Mammootty, Mukesh and Saikumar return as well from the original cast.
Apart from this movie, Mammootty also has Puzhu in the pipeline. Its trailer, released last month, indicated he might play a toxic/abusive father figure in it.