Well, besides the glaringly obvious reference to the English bard, the films have also another thing in common -- they are both based on the happenings of a drama troupe. And that's where the similarities end.

While the 1998 Hollywood flick starred Joseph Fiennes as William Shakespeare, the upcoming Malayalam venture stars Jayasurya as Pavithran, who is nicknamed Shakespeare after his expertise in creating plays from the lives of ordinary mortals.

Directed by debutants Shyju and Shaji, the story has instances where baddies are inspired to mend their erratic ways after featuring in the plays.

Kalabhavan Mani is Kottayam Gopalan in a humorous role as the owner of the Jayabharathy theatres, the drama troupe.

Roma, who until now has only appeared on screen in trendy styles, stars as a peculiar Malayali village-belle in the film.

Text: Vijay

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