R. Sukumaran's much-anticipated mutistarrer Yugapurushan, a period film based on the life and times of Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928), a prophet, saint, sage and social reformer of Kerala, will start rolling from the first week of January, 2009. The director is planning to complete the film in two months' shooting in and outside Kerala.

For the last couple of years, Yugapurushan has been in the news hinting that megastar Mammootty would enact the title role of Sree Narayana Guru. However, Mammootty, who had initially agreed to act in this role, decided to gracefully withdraw from the role, stating that he may not be the right choice. Mammootty believes that he can hardly substitute the original looks and grace of the great soul.

Still, Mammootty will play another role, that of a revolutionary who lived and supported the guru�s teachings in the same period. The crew, who were engaged in the huge task of selecting a fresh face in the lead role, have now finalized two persons to depict the religious icon between the ages of 30 and 73. Tamil actor Thalaivasal Vijay will don the role of Sree Narayana Guru in his seventies.

The movie will also present historic personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Tagore, Chattambi Swamikal, poet Kumaranasan, T.K. Madhavan, Ayyankaali and Mannathu Padmanabhan, who all lived and interacted with the guru, when he was vigorously fighting for his ideals: equality, social justice and casteless society. Notably, Superstar Mohanlal will appear as Swami Vivekananda in the movie.

Also in the cast are Kavya Madhavan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Saikumar, Siddique, Babu Antony, Devan, Saiju Kurup, Sukumari and Shobha Mohan. Ramachandra Babu handles the camera. The film is produced by A.V. Anoop in association with AMMA (the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes), which recently released Malayalam's first ever biggest mutistarrer Twenty:20.