Enough of suspense thrillers, Jeethu Joseph, Asif Ali want to leave ‘blood trail’ for new genre

“I’m tired of thrillers. I want to try something new, even if it fails,” confessed filmmaker Jeethu Joseph at the Manorama News Conclave 2025, where he joined actors Asif Ali and Unnimaya Prasad to reflect on the dominance of thrillers in Malayalam cinema.
Jeethu, who redefined the genre with 'Drishyam' and 'Memories', said he never intended to be branded as a suspense specialist. “I’ve made light-hearted films like 'My Boss' and 'Mummy & Me'. But once 'Drishyam' happened, I was boxed in. Even producers from other industries would ask for ‘Jeethu Joseph logic’ in every film,” he said.

Asif Ali, whose ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ emerged as one of last year’s surprise hits, admitted he too is eager to step away from blood-soaked thrillers. “I’d love to do a film like 'Utharam', something rooted in family and relationships. Thrillers excite audience, but sometimes they take too much out of us as actors,” he said.

Yet, both agreed that pacing is what makes the genre thrive. “Audience today is restless,” said Asif. “If a film lags even for a few minutes, they’ll tune out. That’s why thrillers keep working. They move fast.”

Unnimaya Prasad, who has acted in several thriller dramas, pointed out how marketing influences reception. “'Marco' became a phenomenon because it was presented as something new for Malayali audiences. But you can’t compare that with 'Anjaam Pathiraa', which was a more conventional thriller,” she explained.

Jeethu also addressed the curiosity around sequels, clarifying that 'Drishyam 2' was never a commercial decision. “The idea struck me five years later, not immediately. As for 'Drishyam 3', it will only happen if the right story comes along,” he said, adding with a laugh that even Mohanlal nudged him about a possible continuation.

The conversation also veered into the unpredictability of box office success. While 'Rekhachithram' and 'Kishkindha Kaandam' drew crowds, films like 'Level Cross' failed to connect. “People want value for their ₹200 ticket. If you don’t meet that expectation, they won’t forgive you,” said Asif, who is now experimenting with a festive entertainer, 'TikiTaka'.

The panel wrapped up with a discussion on awards, with Unnimaya calling for more transparency and Asif questioning categories like Best Actor versus Character Actor. Jeethu admitted he never fully understood the jury’s logic, but agreed the system could use clarity.

For all the success thrillers continue to bring into Malayalam cinema, the conclave, held at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre in Kochi on Friday, revealed one common thread — its biggest stars and storytellers are ready to break out of the mould, even if it means risking failure.