Kochi: South superstar Mammootty he could not let go of a period drama like Mamangam because as an artiste he believes it is his duty to act as a bridge between the past and the present. The lavishly-mounted film will see the 67-year-old actor in the role of a warrior. The story is set against a religious festival held once every 12 years at Thirunavaya, on the banks of Bharatapuzha in Kerala.

"I felt I should not let this opportunity go. It is my duty as an actor to bring historical stories and characters and their bravery on screen, especially for the younger generation. I should act like a bridge between cinema and history and audience," Mammootty told PTI. The actor said historical stories slip through time unless they are documented in art and cinema.