Mammootty is all set to play the role of Cheraman Perumal, the first legendary ruler of Kerala.
A news report here quoted Mammootty as saying that a movie maker has approached him to make a movie on Perumal's life and play the lead role in it.
Perumal, the 6th century AD ruler, died in Oman following an ailment during his return journey to Kerala after a pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah.
"I have agreed to it and we are now planning to co-produce it in association with the Oman Film Society (OFS). Talks will be held (about this) with Dr Khalid Al Zedjali, the Chairman of the Oman Film Society," Mammootty was quoted by the newspaper.
According to historians, Perumal, was impressed by Islam after listening to Arab traders who visited his country. While the traders were returning after their business in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Cheruman Perumal joined them to visit Makkah and handed over his authority to his kin.
In Makkahhe performed Haj and embraced Islam but died in Oman during his return journey. His companions, however, reached Kerala with a letter written by the King and were treated with due respect. They also established their faith in the land and, in 629AD, the first mosque in India was constructed at Kodungallur.
The tomb of Perumal in Salalah is visited by a large number of people.
"History reveals that there were strong trade links between Kerala and Arab countries during the first decade AD itself. And Cheraman Perumal, the last Chera ruler, is known as the first Indian king to embrace Islam and toil for its spread in Kerala. So, I am excited to be the part of this legendary movie," Mammootty told the newspaper.
In 2011, a high-level team, as part of the Muziris Heritage Project of Kerala's Ministry of Tourism, visited the tomb of Cheraman Perumal. Former Indian Ambassador to Oman Anil Wadwa had also visited thetomb of King Cheraman Perumal Salalah in 2011.
