Shaji Kailas and Renji Panicker come together for new film

Director Shaji Kailas and scenarist Renji Panicker have teamed up in the past to make several blockbusters such as Ekalavyan, Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans and Thalasthanam.

In 1994 the two joined hands to make Commmissioner, with Suresh Gopi playing a fiery IPS officer named Bharath Chandran.

The following year, they created another crusader against wrongdoers in The King, which had Mammootty playing the role of district collector Thevallipparambil Joseph Alex, IAS.

The two went their separate ways after that film, but now, Shaji and Renji are coming together again with The King And The Commissioner, which will have Mammootty and Suresh Gopi playing their iconic characters once again on screen.

As the film hits the screens tomorrow (March 23), here is an interview with its two creators.

What is The King And The Commissioner all about?

The two characters -- Joseph Alex and Bharath Chandran -- are coming back and the storyline is basically about an investigation. Beyond that we can't reveal much right now.

The two movies, The King and Commissioner were known for their superb dialogues and spectacular action. What should audiences expect from the new edition?

The two characters are now posted in Delhi at higher ranks and they are coming together again to investigate a case. Their behaviour, mannerisms, dialogue delivery and the style are almost the same. What people expect from these characters will be there. They are more powerful now.

How was it working with Renji Panicker after a break?

Though we were not working together all these years, we were in touch and had decided that we would come together only when there was something spectacular to narrate. Now the time seems perfect.

The character played by Suresh Gopi has been seen before, in Bharat Chandran IPS. Is this going to be another adventure from the character?

Yes. Bharath Chandran was seen again in the 2005 film directed by Renji Panicker and this one will be his third on screen.

You have been going through a rough patch in your career of late. How important is this film to your career?

I have always been flooded with offers and I couldn't refuse most of them. This obviously meant that I couldn't live up to the expectations of the viewers at times. Yes, this one is going to be special.

What is the storyline of The King And The Commissioner?

It is basically related to national security. We often talk about it and we are all concerned about it. Discussions do happen, but it often turns out that during the investigation, most of the things that we consider as threats never get investigated in the right way.

At times, the investigations are also connected to political ambitions and even aimed at certain political gains.

Can The King And The Commissioner be called a sequel to the earlier movies?

More than a sequel, it is on the lines of James Bond movies, where the characters are placed in a different territory on new missions.

The two characters have certain mannerisms, which are familiar to all. Will that continue in The King And The Commissioner?

Some of those mannerisms will be reminders and the basic nature of the characters will continue. Bharat Chandran is now an IG rank officer and Joseph Alex is a secretary at the national level.

How will you live up to the huge expectations that the film carries?

The expectations are an advantage to a certain extent but if the anticipation levels are too high, we have to struggle to reach there.

The characters are familiar to the viewers and that may be an advantage as well. Beyond that we are presenting it as a new subject.