Throw in fishermen, football and veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal together - and you could have the recipe of a hit film!

That is exactly what is about to happen in "Mahasamudram", in which Mohanlal will play a fisherman for the first time in his career of 27 years.

"I am really excited that Mohanlal will be cast as a fisherman in my next film 'Mahasamudram' and this is the first time he will play such a role," ace producer Sureshkumar told.

The story revolves around two fishing hamlets whose first love after fishing is football.

"The film will delve into the football mania of these villages and it is really going to test Mohanlal's skills as an actor. Be prepared to see a Mohanlal like never before," said Sureshkumar who has produced 24 films.

Mohanlal, who has starred in nearly 350 films, and Sureshkumar have been one of the most successful pairs in the industry with "Poochek Oru Mukuthi", "Vishnulokam" and "Aram Thampuran" - some of the best Malayalam films - to their credit.

The film is to be shot at the same place where "Amaram", which got Mammootty his second national award, was filmed. "Amaram" too centred on the life of the fishing community.

The film is being scripted and directed by veteran tele-serial director Janaradhan and the camera is being handled by Sanjiv Sankar.

Apart from Mohanlal, the film has an impressive cast and includes Padmapriya, Innocent, Jagathy Sreekumar, Nedumudi Venu and Saikumar.

Work on the film will begin in October and it is slated for release in January 2006.