Uganda's world-famous dance troupe, the Triplets Ghetto Kids, is joining Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in his upcoming film 'Operation Ganga', and the announcement came with a viral dance video that has fans grinning ear to ear. Mohanlal himself shared the clip on his social media handles on October 20, 2026, showing the young dancers grooving to 'Okkela Okkela' before the legend himself walks in and joins them on the dance floor.
The video that broke the internet
In the clip, the Ghetto Kids first showcase their signature high-energy moves to 'Okkela Okkela', a popular song from Mohanlal's 1997 film Varnappakittu, which also starred Meena, Divyaa Unni and Dileep. The video then shows the group watching the original version of the song featuring Mohanlal, before the actor makes a grand entry and matches steps with the troupe. It ends with Mohanlal warmly posing for photographs and sharing a laugh with the young dancers.
Alongside the video, Mohanlal wrote: "Delighted to have the incredibly talented Triplets Ghetto Kids join me in my upcoming film, 'Operation Ganga', directed by Vishnu Mohan and produced by Shri Gokulam Gopalan under the banner of Sree Gokulam Movies." In the video itself, he added a personal note: "I had the wonderful experience of watching the incredibly talented Ghetto Kids perform alongside Shakira at the World Cup finale in the US. Their energy and talent left a lasting impression on me, and now I am so happy to have them join me in my next movie, Operation Ganga."
The song choice has an extra layer for fans. 'Okkela Okkela' was at the center of online speculation around Rajinikanth's Jailer 2, where fans expected a stylish Mohanlal sequence set to the track, and its return here revived plenty of fond memories.
From Kampala to the World Cup to Kochi
The Triplets Ghetto Kids are no ordinary dance crew. The Ugandan group blends traditional African dance styles with contemporary music, and shot to international fame after appearing on Britain's Got Talent in 2023. Their dance videos regularly go viral, and they recently performed alongside global pop star Shakira at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in the United States, which brought them a whole new wave of international attention.
Beyond the spotlight, the group is rooted in an initiative to uplift disadvantaged street-connected and orphaned children through music, dance and drama. With over 10 million followers on Instagram, their inclusion in a mainstream Indian film marks a remarkable crossover: an African viral sensation meeting one of South India's most celebrated screen veterans.
What is 'Operation Ganga'?
Directed by Vishnu Mohan of Meppadiyan fame, Operation Ganga is based on the evacuation mission carried out in 2022 by the Indian government to rescue citizens stranded in Ukraine and neighbouring countries during the Russian invasion. The film went on floors in August, and Mohanlal has been shooting its international schedule in Georgia. The production will also move through Poland, Kazakhstan, Delhi, Dehradun and Kochi.
The cast already includes Arjun Rampal, Adil Hussain and Bhagyashri Borse, with music by Shashwat Sachdev. Details of the Ghetto Kids' role have not yet been revealed, which has only sharpened fans' curiosity about how much of their dance magic will make it to the big screen.
Why this collaboration matters
This is more than a fun promotional video. It is a rare cross-cultural moment, pairing a Dadasaheb Phalke Award-winning actor with a troupe whose journey from the streets of Uganda to the World Cup final and now a major Indian film set is exactly the kind of story that reminds us what entertainment is for: connection across every border.
Watch: Mohanlal matches steps with the viral Ghetto Kids to 'Okkela Okkela' in this viral dance Short.
Music in this post's reel: Kevin MacLeod - Life of Riley (incompetech.com), licensed under CC BY 3.0