Malayalam superstar Mohanlal announced on October 21, 2026, that internationally recognized Ugandan dance troupe Triplets Ghetto Kids will feature in his upcoming action drama ‘Operation Ganga’.

The shocking cross-continental collaboration bridges the gap between African internet sensations and veteran Indian mainstream cinema, sparking widespread intrigue across global entertainment circles. Mohanlal broke the news via social media by publishing footage of the energetic young performers dancing enthusiastically to "Okkela Okkela," an upbeat musical number originally featured in his 1997 release ‘Varnappakittu’. The unexpected fusion of a vintage Malayalam soundtrack with the viral Ugandan outfit’s signature choreography immediately caught audiences off guard, delivering an unprecedented promotional moment that bridges audiences in India, Europe, and the West.

An Unprecedented Cross-Cultural Alliance

By recruiting the Triplets Ghetto Kids, the production establishes an aggressive play for cross-cultural visibility. The Ugandan ensemble has built an immense international following through viral dance videos, capturing attention across the United States and Europe. Placing them directly into an Indian cinematic production offers a rare artistic crossover, pairing one of South India’s most celebrated screen veterans with an African viral sensation whose performances regularly circle the globe.

Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Mohanlal officially welcomed the young performers to the set of the Vishnu Mohan directorial.

“Delighted to have the incredibly talented Triplets Ghetto Kids join me in my upcoming film, ‘Operation Ganga’, directed by Vishnu Mohan,” Mohanlal wrote in the caption accompanying the video.

The Real-World Canvas of ‘Operation Ganga’

Behind the dynamic musical collaboration lies an intense, politically charged narrative. Directed by Vishnu Mohan, ‘Operation Ganga’ draws direct inspiration from the massive geopolitical crisis of 2022, centering on India’s real-world evacuation mission conducted during the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. The actual humanitarian operation succeeded in repatriating thousands of Indian students and stranded nationals from conflict zones amid escalating international turmoil.

Beyond the geopolitical backdrop and the surprise addition of the Ugandan dance troupe, ‘Operation Ganga’ also represents a key crossover milestone for Hindi cinema. Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal is set to make his official Malayalam cinema debut in the feature, strengthening the film’s pan-Indian appeal and signaling high ambitions for its theatrical footprint.

The ‘Okkela Okkela’ Track Revives Lingering ‘Jailer 2’ Frustrations

The selection of the nostalgic track "Okkela Okkela" did not merely introduce the Ugandan dancers; it also reopened a contentious online controversy among film enthusiasts. Prior to the theatrical release of Rajinikanth’s blockbuster sequel ‘Jailer 2’, rampant speculation circulated across platform X alleging that Mohanlal’s character, Mathew, would be showcased in a stylized slow-motion sequence synchronized precisely to the 1997 ‘Varnappakittu’ song. When the final theatrical cut of ‘Jailer 2’ failed to deliver that anticipated sequence, vocal factions of fans voiced bitter disappointment over how the superstar’s presence had been handled.

That cinematic dispute had escalated to such an extent that Mohanlal’s stunt double, Joby Kodakara, was forced to publicly clear the air. In an interview granted to the YouTube channel Jango Space, Joby addressed rampant rumors about his participation in ‘Jailer 2’. The body double clarified that production crews had only captured select shots of his hands and legs, firmly dismissing claims that visual effects had mapped Mohanlal’s likeness over his face during the climax. Joby had inadvertently triggered the controversy himself after uploading photographs dressed in Mathew’s costume on the date of the film’s premiere.

By openly resurrecting the elusive "Okkela Okkela" track within the promotional rollout for ‘Operation Ganga’, Mohanlal has turned a point of past fan friction into a bold statement of artistic reinvention. Coupling that familiar rhythm with the explosive energy of the Triplets Ghetto Kids establishes a striking creative direction for the upcoming war-evacuation thriller.