Salman Khan Mulls Period Action‑Thriller with Malayalam Director Mahesh Narayanan

• DATE: 2 10 25
• BY: Caspian Harrington

When Salman Khan, Bollywood superstar sat down with Mahesh Narayanan, acclaimed Malayalam director in Mumbai last week, the buzz was unmistakable. Sources say the two have already held four to five meetings, the latest in August 2025, and are now in “advanced stages” of hammering out a period action‑thriller set between the 1970s and the 1990s. If the partnership gets the green light, production could kick off in early 2026, potentially reshaping Khan’s career trajectory and marking a first‑of‑its‑kind Bollywood‑Malayalam crossover.

Why This Collaboration Matters

Salman Khan’s filmography reads like a catalogue of high‑octane masala movies, yet his recent outing, Sikandar, flopped miserably at the box office. Critics panned the weak screenplay, and audiences left theatres disappointed. The setback has reportedly nudged the actor to explore grittier, more layered storytelling – a space where Mahesh Narayanan thrives. Narayanan’s résumé includes hard‑hitting titles such as Malik (2021) and Take Off (2017), both lauded for their social relevance and narrative depth.

“Salman is keen on changing the narrative around his on‑screen persona,” an insider told Pinkvilla. “He’s given Mahesh a provisional nod, and they’re already mapping out a story that will span three tumultuous decades of Indian history.” The shift could serve a dual purpose: revitalising Khan’s brand and giving Narayanan a pan‑Indian platform.

Context: Khan’s Current Slate

While negotiations with Narayanan are ongoing, Khan is already gearing up for Battle of GalwanLadakh, a war‑drama directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The shoot, scheduled for September 2025, will see Khan portray a soldier in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, a story many argue has never been told on the big screen. Simultaneously, murmurs swirl around a potential stylistic actioner with Kabir Khan and a possible sequel to the beloved Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Juggling all these possibilities underscores how packed Khan’s calendar is, even as he eyes a genre‑bending partnership.

What We Know About the Proposed Film

The script is said to be a period‑thriller with strong action beats, anchored in the socio‑political turbulence of the 70s‑90s. Think of the economic liberalisation wave, the rise of regional cinema, and the undercurrents of crime syndicates that ruled certain cityscapes. Narayanan reportedly wants the narrative to weave a personal vendetta with larger historical currents, a formula that worked well in Malik.

“We’re looking at a story that starts in the raw, noisy streets of 1975 Mumbai and ends in the neon‑lit skyline of 1995 Delhi,” a source close to the project said. “It will be a full‑length narration—no half‑measures.” The phrasing hints at a three‑act structure that balances intimate character moments with large‑scale set pieces.

• Time frame: 1970‑1995, covering three pivotal decades.
• Genre blend: Period drama + thriller + action.
• Potential co‑stars: Rumours mention Malayalam stalwarts Mohanlal and Mammootty, though no official word yet.
• Production start: Early 2026, pending final script approval.

Reactions From Industry Insiders

Film‑critics are cautiously optimistic. veteran commentator Rajeev Masand wrote on Twitter, “If Khan can deliver a performance that matches Narayanan’s intensity, we could witness a landmark moment for pan‑India cinema.” On the other side, a few Bollywood insiders warn that the clash of styles could be “a tricky dance.”

Mahesh Narayanan, known for his low‑budget, high‑impact productions, reportedly told a confidante, “Working with Salman would be a huge responsibility. I have to respect his star power while staying true to the story’s core.” The director’s previous collaboration with superstar Amitabh Bachchan on the short film Shades of Love suggests he can handle big personalities.

Potential Impact on the Pan‑India Landscape

India’s film market is rapidly evolving; regional industries are breaking language barriers and attracting national audiences. A successful Salman‑Mahesh partnership could cement the trend, encouraging more Bollywood stars to team up with visionary regional directors. It might also open distribution channels for Malayalam‑style storytelling within the Hindi‑speaking belt, which has historically been dominated by formulaic fare.

Moreover, the upcoming Battle of Galwan showcases how big‑budget war dramas are gaining traction, implying studios are willing to invest in historically rooted narratives. A period‑thriller from Khan and Narayanan could therefore sit comfortably alongside these projects, offering both commercial draw and critical heft.

What’s Next? Timeline and Uncertainties

For now, the collaboration remains unconfirmed. Both Khan’s team and Narayanan’s production house have declined official comment, preferring to “let the creative process breathe.” If everything aligns, a formal announcement could drop as early as December 2025, with a launch event in Mumbai to drum up buzz.

Until then, fans will keep an eye on Khan’s social media. A recent Instagram story where he shared a poster for Narayanan’s upcoming Malayalam film Patriot (starring Mohanlal and Mammootty) sparked fresh speculation. Whether it was a genuine nod or a casual share, the gesture kept the rumor mill turning.