ZEE5, India’s premier home-grown video streaming platform and a bastion of multilingual storytelling, is set to debut 'Manorathangal,' a landmark series that heralds a new era in Malayalam cinema. Premiering on August 15th, this monumental anthology is an homage to the 90-year literary and cinematic heritage of Madath Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair, affectionately known as M.T., an unparalleled literary luminary. 'Manorathangal' unites the zenith of Malayalam cinema's acting and directorial talent in an unprecedented collaboration, featuring nine interwoven stories that explore the duality of human nature against the lush tapestry of Kerala, God's Own Country.

With stories penned by M.T. Vasudevan Nair himself, 'Manorathangal' presents a nuanced portrayal of humanity, delving into the paradoxes of human behavior, our capacity for both kindness and base impulses. The anthology showcases nine interconnected tales, each a chapter in a larger mosaic that speaks to universal experiences and emotions.

Under the direction of eight legendary filmmakers, the anthology stars nine South Indian superstars in roles that challenge and captivate. Here's a glimpse of the ensemble:

• Ollavum Theeravum (Ripples and the River Bank): Mohanlal pairs with Priyadarshan for a poignant tale.
• Kadugannava Oru Yathra Kurippu (Kadugannava: A Travel Note): Mammootty stars in a segment directed by Ranjith.
• Shilalikhitam (Inscriptions): Biju Menon, Shantikrishna, and Joy Mathew join forces under Priyadarshan's direction.
• Kazhcha (Vision): Parvathy Thiruvothu and Harish Uthaman feature in a Shyamaprasad-directed segment.
• Vilpana (The Sale): Madhoo and Asif Ali star in a narrative helmed by Aswathy Nair.
• Sherlock: Fahadh Faasil and Zareena Moidu take the stage under Mahesh Narayanan's creative vision.
• Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam (When the Doors of Heaven Open): An ensemble cast including Kaillash, Indrans, Nedumudi Venu, Enji Panicker, Surabhi Lakshmi under Jayarajan Nair's direction.
• Abhyam Theedi Veendum (Once Again, In Search of Refuge): Siddhique, Ishit Yamini, and Nazir take the spotlight in a Santosh Sivan-directed segment.
• Kadalkkaattu (Sea Breeze): Indrajith and Aparna Balamurali feature in a Rathish Ambat-directed tale.

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5 India, expressed, “'Manorathangal' is more than a series; it's a celebration of the unparalleled legacy of M.T. Vasudevan Nair. We are proud to showcase this exceptional creativity of Malayalam cinema, and recognizing the growing fandom for these stories, we are making 'Manorathangal' accessible in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu languages, broadening its appeal to a wider audience.”

Priyadarshan and the cast shared heartfelt tributes to M.T. Vasudevan Nair, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work on such a monumental project and highlighting the immense respect and admiration for the literary giant.

Premiering on August 15th, 'Manorathangal' on ZEE5 is not just another series; it is a cinematic event that celebrates the enduring legacy of a literary legend and showcases the exceptional talent of South Indian cinema. Get ready to witness history in the making as 'Manorathangal' unfolds.