Mollywood director Vinayan who had been instrumental in making Kalabhavan Mani a big star is all set to make a film inspired by the life of the late actor. The film is not exactly a biopic of Mani. Instead, it takes inspiration from the way Mani prevailed against all odds to succeed in life.

Titled Chalakudykkaran Changathi`, the movie will be based on Mani's life, the life of a talented boy from a lower caste who makes it big in the film industry. The movie will also shed light on how our society still marginalizes dark-skinned people, said Vinayan in an interview. Going by the director's words, the movie's casting process is underway and will introduce a new face in the lead role. Chalakudykkaran Changathi` is planned to hit the floors by mid-October.

Vinayan collaborated with Kalabhavan Mani for Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum (1999) and several other critically acclaimed films. The actor also went on to win the Special Jury Award in 2000 for Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum and the Kerala State Film Award for his role in the same film in 1999. The multi-faceted actor died on March 6, 2016, aged 45. Relatives of the actor alleged that he had been poisoned to death.