Filmmaker Austin Dan Thomas Sparks Online Speculation After Mysterious Instagram Stories
Filmmaker and actor Austin Dan Thomas has ignited a flurry of online discussion after posting a series of cryptic Instagram Stories. This move came shortly after producer Antony Perumbavoor opened up about a cancelled Mohanlal project that was initially planned with a debut director. The controversy began when Antony interacted with fans during an X Spaces session, where he was questioned about why Mohanlal rarely collaborates with newcomers in the industry.
Antony Perumbavoor Reveals Details of a Shelved Project
According to Cinema Express, while responding to the query, Antony explained that the upcoming Mohanlal film Athimanoharam, directed by Tharun Moorthy, was not originally intended for him. The producer disclosed that the film had first been entrusted to a newcomer who allegedly stepped away just weeks before shooting was set to begin. He became scared, stopped answering calls and went away, Antony remarked during the interaction. He further implied that such experiences make producers cautious about trusting inexperienced filmmakers with large-scale projects. Although no names were officially mentioned, social media users quickly connected Antony's comments to the previously announced Mohanlal film backed by Ashiq Usman, which had Austin Dan Thomas attached as director and Ratheesh Ravi as writer.
The Project That Never Materialized
The now-shelved film had generated significant curiosity when it was first announced, especially because Mohanlal was expected to play a police officer in the project. Promotional material and an official announcement poster had already been released at the time. Industry reports had earlier suggested that the film was being referred to internally as L 365. The project later evolved into L 366, which eventually became Athimanoharam under the direction of Tharun Moorthy. Austin Dan Thomas, known for appearing in films such as Thallumaala and Vijay Superum Pournamiyum, has also worked behind the scenes as chief associate director for the thriller Anjaam Pathiraa.
Cryptic Instagram Story Fuels Speculation
Soon after Antony's comments went viral online, Austin shared a cryptic Instagram Story that many believed was indirectly connected to the controversy. The filmmaker posted a quote attributed to Palestinian political leader Ismail Haniyeh. The quote read: Some people think that the truth can be hidden with little cover-up and decoration. But as time goes by, what is true is revealed. And what is fake fades away. Although Austin did not directly mention Antony Perumbavoor or the shelved Mohanlal project, several social media users interpreted the post as a subtle reaction to the producer's statements.
Another Post Adds Fuel to the Rumors
A day later, Austin once again caught attention online after sharing a picture of a location signboard from Kodaikanal. The board prominently displayed the name Moonjikal in both English and Tamil. The post quickly became a topic of discussion because the word moonjikal is colloquially used in Malayalam slang to refer to embarrassment or humiliation. Many internet users viewed the upload as another indirect response aimed at Antony's earlier remarks. Despite the growing speculation online, neither Austin Dan Thomas nor Antony Perumbavoor has publicly clarified whether the Instagram Stories were actually linked to the shelved Mohanlal film controversy.
