Maalik director Mahesh Narayanan to make Hindi debut with Phantom Hospital

Acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan is all set to make his Hindi film debut with the dramatic thriller Phantom Hospital. The film will be backed by producer Priti Shahani’s new banner Tusk Tale Films and investigative journalist Josy Joseph’s production house Confluence Media.

According to the makers, the movie is based on an “unusual scandal in the health-care system".

Shahani said in a statement, “All of us have been victims of it unknowingly, and through this film, we hope to wake up the audience to a new reality. At Tusk Tale Films, it is our endeavour to champion stories that are reflective of our times, that are rich with emotions and have the ability to resonate with all.” 

She added, “I am excited to partner with Mahesh Narayanan, whose stories have travelled to a nationwide audience and is truly a visionary filmmaker and with India's finest investigative journalist Josy Joseph. Together we aim to make an entertaining film that uncovers one of the most shocking scandals in our country."

Shahani was earlier with Junglee Pictures where she backed films such as Talvar (2015), Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Raazi (2018) and Badhaai Ho (2018).

Highlighting the importance of the story, Josy said, “The strange thing about India is that its real stories are far more dramatic than any that a writer can imagine, but those have not been harnessed enough for visual storytelling. I am confident that Phantom Hospital will be a path-breaking movie that will showcase Mahesh's mastery over the craft and Priti's ability to see challenging projects through.”

Mahesh is known for helming quality thrillers such as Take Off (2017), C U Soon (2020) and the recently released Maalik (2021). All three films saw Malayalam movie star Fahadh Faasil play pivotal characters. Mahesh has written Phantom Hospital along with Akash Mohimen.

"I was instantly drawn to the story inspired from true incidents in the health-care sector of India," Mahesh said. "It gives me immense pleasure to associate with Priti Shahani, who as a producer has consistently delivered quality content, and Josy Joseph, whose meticulous research has added great layers to the story. My films have received so much love from Hindi audiences that I am truly looking forward to directing my first Hindi feature."