Menon and Harikrishnan initially planned a children 's film titled '' Randu Vaanavillukal '' , which was set in the drylands of Tamil Nadu . Before filming , however , the Tamil Nadu flood happened , turning the film location green and lush , making it unsuitable for the film and their plans to shift the location was unsuccessful . The two met again for a follow-up discussion . '' Odiyan '' originated from a conversation between Menon and Harikrishnan . Menon liked a one-line story narrated by Harikrishnan , who later wrote a single scene for '' Odiyan '' , which he intended as the introduction of the title character . He showed it to Menon , who sent it to Mohanlal and the project got underway . The scene remains in the film 's final cut . Earlier , writer-director A. K. Lohithadas had proceeded with a story based on an Odiyan with Mohanlal in the lead role , but it was not made into a film . Director Lal Jose also contemplated making such a film , but later abandoned the idea . Evaluating these unsuccessful attempts , Harikrishnan said they may have failed because they might have directly followed the myth of the Odiyans rather than making a novel attempt . Harikrishnan wrote '' Odiyan '' devoid of myth . Antony Perumbavoor suggested a major change in the first draft of the screenplay , which introduced a villain into the film . The script was completely rewritten , after which Menon described Antony as an ace script doctor . Mohanlal suggested two minor changes in the second draft and in the second sitting approved the screenplay
Tamil Nadu flood
2015 South Indian floods
Odiyan