Director Vinayan will be a making a film on the late actor Kalabhavan Mani and has titled it Chalakkudykkaaran Changathi. While making it clear that it is not intended to be a biopic on the talented actor, the director has said that it is a tribute to one of the best actors who had passed away last year under mysterious circumstances.

It may be recalled here that Kalabhavan Mani’s untimely death had led to some controversies, with his family demanding a thorough probe.

There were reports that he was murdered but that has not been proved till now. Recently, there were even suggestions that actor Dileep's role in the death should be probed.

Vinayan shared a good rapport with Kalabhavan Mani and has directed him in a number of films including Sougandhikam, Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum, Karumadikkuttan and Independence.

The director made his debut with the 1990 directorial Superstar and went on to direct films such as Pranaya Nilavu, En Mana Vaanil, and Dracula 2012. Kalabhavan Mani began his acting debut in feature films at the age of 13.

He was seen as a magician in the popular children's movie My Dear Kuttichathan in 1984. He then went on to play small roles in films, working his way up the career ladder to play the lead roles in several films later on. Apart from Malayalam films, Kalabhavan Mani had starred in numerous Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films as well.

He was also an accomplished playback singer with quite a number of songs to his credit. Kalabhavan Mani has composed music for a couple of ventures such as Mani Muzhagunnathu Arkkuvendi and MLA Mani Pathaam Classum Gusthiyum. While the mystery behind his death rages on, his fans can find solace in the tribute that director Vinayan is planning for this talented actor.