Ranjith Sankar and Kunchacko Boban
Ranjith Sankar and Kunchacko BobanRanjith Sankar/Facebook

Malayalam actor Kunchacko Boban has been roped in to play the lead role in director Ranjith Sankar's next. The upcoming movie, which marks the first time association of the actor-director duo, has been titled Ramante Eden Thottam.

Celebs galore at Pretham 75 days success celebration

Kunchacko Boban announced the news via his Facebook page on Wednesday, December 14. "Taking Off 2017....in February,the month of Love ❤️ ..With "RAMANTE EDEN THOTTAM"....Thrilled to join hands with Director Ranjith Shankar,the man who puts passion,talent and hardwork into his creations whatever the genre!! [sic]," he posted on his social media page.

Ranjith, who recently helmed the blockbuster Pretham with Jayasurya, is believed to have officially announced his next during the 75th day success celebration of the horror comedy entertainer. Through a recent Facebook post, the filmmaker has also shared the kind of dedication Kunchacko Boban shows to transform himself into the character of Raman in the movie. 

I love it when stars go on a break in a pursuit to reinvent themselves. .Think most of my good films and characters happened in such pursuits.. When I narrated raman to this man first thing he told me was that he will need 3 months to prepare for the part.. to get in shape physically and mentally. .And that he won't be shooting anything else in those 3 months. That's such a confidence boost for any film maker.  To Malini He is Ram..To Elvis He is Raman..And His Eden Thottam is special..Kunchacko Boban plays HIM.

Ranjith has also requested the prayers and blessings of his followers for the movie, which will go on floors in February 2017. "We start shooting Ramante Eden Thottam in Feb, the month of valentine..Will announce more soon..Expect all your prayers! [sic]," he added.

Meanwhile, Kunchacko will be next seen in editor-turned-director Mahesh Narayan's Take Off, which will be narrated against the backdrop of certain serious incidents that take place in the lives of Keralite nurses due to the conflicts in Iraq. The movie, which is being bankrolled by Anto Joseph and Shebin Bakker in association with Rajesh Pillai films, also has Fahadh Faasil and Parvathy in the lead roles.