What is the current status of the super stars?

Well, the answer is they have become ex-super stars. They are there but not sought after any more by the top directors. The signs are clear. They are retreating.

After a long gap of time we see new faces entering the scene and a junior star like Dileep graduating to the status of super star. Dileep has passed the test of super star just now with the success of 'KUNHIKKOONAN'. The industry has been waiting for Dileep to prove his crowd pulling ability since 'MEESA MADHAVAN', which completed 100 days.

KUNHIKKOONAN has entered 25th day in the last week of October. The whole of Malayalam film industry is after Dileep. All the major banners and directors want Dileep in their films. They have stories moulded for him. A big time director like Bhadran is going to shoot his next film with Dileep in the lead. The latest news is that he who was so particular in casting either Mammootty or Mohanlal has rewritten a story for Dileep, earlier meant for Mohanlal. The project 'SWARNAM' by Bhadran is reported to have changed for Dileep. Bhadran is presently busy with his immediate project with Pritviraj / Kavya Madhavan in the lead.

Sibi Malayil who made films with Mammootty and Mohanlal giving them chances by turn, was the first one to opt out the super stars. Though Kamal had avoided casting them earlier. The last film Kamal made with Mohan Lal was "AYAAL KATHAYEZHUTHUKAYAANU'. He started a film with Mohanlal named CHAKRAM but it was abandoned because Lohita Das could not finish the script. Kamal always chose the actors on the basis of his stories and if he had not used them it was not because the supers became irrelevant. But he realises they are not sure bets in the commercial circuit. Kamal has signed Dileep for another film now.

At present Dileep is acting in 'KALYANARAMAN'. He has a gulf programme in November and on returning from gulf he will start acting in 'SADANADANTE SAMAYAM'. This is produced by the relatives of Cochin Haneefa and directed by Akbar Jose. Cinematographer Vipin Mohan has Dileep in his film 'PATTANATHIL.' which will go to the shooting floor this year it self.

Jayaraj has his dates for his new film. Ranjith is engaging Dileep in his 'MIZHI RANDILUM' in a special significant role though it is a woman oriented subject. The other directors who have got the dates of Dileep are Sibi Malyil, Joshy, and Shaji Kailas.

Shaji Kailas is renaming his film 'GUNTA' which was earlier announced as a Mohanlal film. A significant fact is that it is those projects meant for Mohanlal that are replaced with Dileep.

Dileep has now a task of high responsibility to entertain the masses, make money for the producers. The super stars in exit have stayed a long innings with glory. Dileep need also stay there that much long!