Director TJ Gnanavel became a household name with his debut courtroom drama Jai Bhim, which struck an emotional chord and earned critical acclaim worldwide after its release on Amazon Prime Video. However, his second film Vettaiyaan with Superstar Rajinikanth failed to replicate the magic. Despite carrying the hype of a superstar vehicle, the film fell flat with audiences and critics alike, sparking criticism that Gnanavel struggled to handle the weight of a star-driven project.

Now, the filmmaker is rumored to be collaborating with legendary actor Mohanlal. Reports from film circles suggest that Mohanlal may headline a biopic on the controversial Saravana Bhavan founder P. Rajagopal, tentatively titled Dosa King. This project, if confirmed, could mark a defining chapter in Gnanavel’s career.

P. Rajagopal built the Saravana Bhavan empire into one of the most recognized South Indian restaurant chains across the globe. Yet, his life took a dark turn when he was convicted of orchestrating the murder of an employee in a bid to make the victim’s wife his third spouse. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and died in 2019 while serving his term.

Adapting such a complex real-life story requires depth, honesty, and strong storytelling — qualities Gnanavel displayed in Jai Bhim. However, his attempt to mix commercial elements in Vettaiyaan backfired, raising doubts about whether he can stick to an authentic narrative without bowing to fan expectations. With Mohanlal, the pressure will be no less intense than with Rajinikanth. The Malayalam superstar commands a massive following, and any compromise in storytelling could dilute the impact of the film.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation, but sources indicate that an announcement may come soon. Whether Dosa King becomes a cinematic landmark or another missed opportunity depends on Gnanavel’s ability to resist external pressures and stay true to the story.