After 'Drishyam 3', Jeethu Joseph plans for festival-worthy family drama with Prithviraj: 'I want to write it. But I haven't been able to sit down and do it'

Jeethu Joseph has once again sparked excitement among fans, but this time it is not for another mystery thriller. While enjoying the success of Mohanlal's latest outing 'Drishyam 3', the filmmaker has spoken about a long-discussed collaboration with Prithviraj Sukumaran, revealing that the project is still very much on his mind.During a conversation with Reporter TV, Jeethu reflected on a script idea he had shared with Prithviraj years ago, around the time they were working on 'Memories'. Recalling their discussion, the director said, "I had told Raju a story long ago. Raju told me, 'Jeethu, whenever you write it, I'll give you the dates.' I had narrated it to him during the time of Memories." The statement highlights the trust and creative bond the duo has built over the years through films like 'Memories' and 'Oozham'.Jeethu was quick to clarify that the proposed project would be a departure from the genre audiences often associate with him. Unlike his suspense-driven films, this one is envisioned as an emotionally rooted drama."But it is not a thriller or anything like that. It is a family drama. It could even be a film that may have to be sent to festivals. I don't know, considering the way things work here. I don't know how it would perform if it is released commercially in theatres," he explained. The filmmaker suggested that the story may appeal more to festival circuits than mainstream box office expectations.Although Prithviraj has reportedly remained committed to the project, Jeethu admitted that the screenplay is yet to be completed. "I want to write it. But I haven't been able to sit down and do it. Even though Raju has kept his word that he will give me dates whenever I write it, I still haven't managed to complete the screenplay," he said.According to the director, a packed professional schedule and the pressure of back-to-back commitments kept pushing the project further down the priority list.Jeethu also revealed that he is keen to step outside the thriller space and experiment with different genres. The desire led him to make 'Nunakkuzhi', and he hopes to continue broadening his filmography with humour-driven family entertainers, horror films, musicals, and children's cinema.Interestingly, the filmmaker received encouragement from within his own family. Speaking about a recent conversation, Jeethu shared, "The other day, my daughter asked me, 'Why haven't you written that script yet?' She told me that instead of always thinking about commercial cinema, I should make a film like that as well."With Prithviraj's commitment still intact and Jeethu now looking at fresh storytelling avenues, the long-awaited family drama remains one of the director's most intriguing unfinished ambitions.