One

Behind the Scenes of One (2021): Mammootty’s Political Drama and the Making of a Malayalam Blockbuster

One (2021), directed by Santhosh Viswanath, is a political thriller that thrusts Malayalam superstar Mammootty into the role of a Kerala Chief Minister navigating corruption, power struggles, and personal demons. latestnetflix.com's read is that while the film’s gripping narrative and high-stakes drama earned it a spot on Netflix, the behind-the-scenes story reveals a project that was as ambitious as its on-screen politics—with casting surprises, directorial vision, and a few unconfirmed whispers about its production journey.

Mammootty’s Transformation: From Script to Screen

Mammootty’s portrayal of Chief Minister Kadakkal Chandran is one of the film’s biggest talking points. The actor, known for his chameleon-like ability to disappear into roles, reportedly immersed himself in the character’s political and personal turmoil. Sources suggest he spent time observing real-life politicians to nail the mannerisms and speech patterns of a leader under pressure. In an interview, director Santhosh Viswanath hinted at the challenges of balancing the character’s public persona with his private vulnerabilities, calling it a "tightrope walk" between heroism and human frailty.

The film’s supporting cast—including Murali Gopy as a cunning rival and Joju George as a loyal aide—added depth to the political chessboard. Gopy, a frequent collaborator with Mammootty, was reportedly handpicked by the director for his ability to play morally ambiguous characters. Meanwhile, newcomer Mathew Thomas, who plays the Chief Minister’s son, brought a fresh dynamic to the family drama at the heart of the story.

Casting Controversies and Last-Minute Surprises

Rumors swirled during production about unexpected casting choices. One unverified claim suggests that a high-profile actor initially considered for a key role dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, forcing the team to recast quickly. Director Santhosh Viswanath, in a behind-the-scenes interview, joked about the "chaos" of last-minute changes but praised the cast’s adaptability, calling it a "blessing in disguise".

Another point of intrigue was the inclusion of veteran actor Balachandra Menon, who played a senior politician. Menon, known for his own directorial ventures, was reportedly impressed by the script’s realism and agreed to take on the role despite its limited screen time. His presence added gravitas to the film’s political intrigue, though some fans speculated that his character’s arc was trimmed in the final edit—a claim neither confirmed nor denied by the team.

The Director’s Vision: Realism Over Glamour

Santhosh Viswanath, making his directorial debut with One, was vocal about his intent to avoid the "glamour" of politics and instead focus on its gritty, bureaucratic realities. In interviews, he revealed that the script was inspired by real-life political scandals in Kerala, though he stopped short of naming specific events. The film’s tone—dark, suspenseful, and dialogue-driven—reflected his commitment to authenticity, even if it meant sacrificing some commercial appeal.

Viswanath also faced challenges in balancing the film’s multiple subplots. The Chief Minister’s personal life, including his strained relationship with his son, was reportedly a late addition to the script, with some scenes shot just weeks before the final cut. The director admitted that the emotional core of the film was the hardest to get right, requiring multiple takes to strike the right balance between political drama and family tension.

Netflix and the Road to Release

One marked one of Mammootty’s first major collaborations with Netflix, a move that expanded its reach beyond Malayalam cinema’s traditional audience. The streaming giant’s involvement reportedly influenced the film’s pacing and structure, with some sources suggesting that Netflix executives pushed for a tighter runtime to suit binge-watching habits. However, the director maintained creative control, insisting that the film’s political themes remain intact.

The release itself was not without hiccups. Rumors of a delayed premiere due to post-production issues circulated, though neither Netflix nor the filmmakers confirmed the cause. When One finally dropped, it received mixed reviews—praised for Mammootty’s performance and the film’s tension, but criticized for its convoluted plot in the second half.

The Verdict: A Bold Experiment with Mixed Results

One (2021) shows Santhosh Viswanath’s ambition and Mammootty’s enduring star power. While the film didn’t achieve the unanimous acclaim of some of the actor’s earlier works, it carved out a niche as a political thriller willing to take risks. Behind the scenes, the production was a mix of calculated casting, last-minute script tweaks, and a director determined to avoid clichés.

For fans of Malayalam cinema, One offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of power—and the personal toll it takes. For everyone else, it was a reminder that even in the world of streaming, a compelling story and a powerhouse performance can still steal the show.