Malayalam sci-fi comedy ‘Pluto’ has been receiving mixed responses from audiences during its theatrical run. Directed by Adithyan Chandrasekhar, the film stars Neeraj Madhav and Althaf Salim, with Salim playing an alien. Amid the film’s successful run, Neeraj Madhav revealed an interesting detail about the casting process. According to the actor, Basil Joseph was originally considered for the role that Althaf Salim eventually played.
Althaf Salim’s name was always part of the discussion
Speaking about the film’s casting journey, Neeraj explained that Althaf Salim’s name had been discussed from the very beginning because the team believed he possessed the right qualities for the role.As quoted by Reporter website, Neeraj said, “Right from the beginning, Althaf’s name kept coming up during our discussions about ‘Pluto’. We felt he would be able to do justice to the character. The film required a very specific style and rhythm of performance. Perhaps our confidence came from watching one of his earlier performances, though I can’t point to any one particular role that made us feel that way.”Neeraj added that the team believed the character demanded a unique performance style, which they eventually found in Althaf’s portrayal.
Basil Joseph was the original choice
While Althaf’s name was always in consideration, Neeraj revealed that the makers had initially finalized Basil Joseph for the role. The actor shared that the script had already been narrated to Basil before scheduling conflicts changed the plan.He said, “In the initial stage of the project, we had actually decided on Basil Joseph for the role. We narrated the story to him as well. However, he told us that because of his commitments to an Allu Arjun film, we would have to wait for about one and a half years. That’s when we turned to Althaf.”
Neeraj Madhav says Althaf brought a different flavour
Neeraj also reflected on how the film may have turned out differently had Basil Joseph played the character. He acknowledged that each actor would have approached the role in a distinct way but praised Althaf for making the character his own.He said, “If Basil had played the role, the film would have had a completely different tone. But Althaf brought his own unique style to the character, and it has worked out really well.”
ETimes review praises ambition despite limitations
Directed by Adithyan Chandrasekhar, ‘Pluto’ blends science fiction and comedy while featuring Neeraj Madhav and Althaf Salim in the lead roles.Reviewing the film, ETimes wrote, “Malayalam cinema deserves appreciation for attempting science fiction despite budgetary limitations. But limited budgets need not limit imagination. Films like ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’, or even India’s ‘PK’ prove that inventive writing matters more than expensive spectacle. ‘Pluto’ isn’t a bad film. It is an opportunity missed. It has the ingredients for a memorable sci-fi comedy but settles for being a pleasant, occasionally funny entertainer when it could have been wonderfully bizarre.”
