An unalloyed love story topped with a tinge of Sufi music, aroma of cuisine and warmth of Malabar; this sums up the story of To Noora With Love. The breezy outing by Babu Narayanan that hits the screens on Thursday has the poetic Noorjahan as the title character, essayed by Mamtha Mohandas, and Krish J Sathar as her love interest, Shajahan, the sufi musician.
“This movie is completely Noora’s story. Noora who does research on stars, who loves children, who gives a lending hand to the poor and is well-versed in Hindu mythology.. it is her story,” scenarist G S Anil pictures the character eloquently.
Noora falls in love with Shajahan, a happy-go-lucky musician and To Noora.. unveils her life, phases of a womanhood as a daughter, lover, wife and mother.
“This is not a candyfloss love story that focuses on hero and heroine alone. Rather, the film zooms in on the life of the characters around Noora and Shajahan, and portrays their affection for each other,” says the scenarist.
Love is a subject that never loses its sheen, says director Babu Narayanan. “This movie is more on love post marriage. The story has a strong connect to life and Noora with her bold attitude is the star of the film,” says the director.
There are characters from all strata of society. “It has a secular and humanitarian outlook,” says the director who quickly adds that the movie is not narrated in a didactic tone, but on a lighter vein. “There is a humour element throughout the narrative,” he says.
To Noora.. has been in news for the re-entry of Mamtha after the relapse of her disease. The director is all praise for his lead lady and he says, “The energy of Mamtha throughout the shoot was indeed appreciable. There were several hard knocks. In one scene, she has to climb a coconut tree, and another sequence was shot at a sea shore. Despite the pain she was undergoing, Mamtha essayed the character beautifully.”
He adds that from the day one of the shooting, the film underwent several hiccups. “The positive attitude of the whole crew. including Mamtha, helped us to complete the shooting,” says Babu. The story of the film is by C H Muhammad.
The film has an ensemble cast. Kaniha plays the elder sister of Shajahan, an expert cook. The siblings share a wonderful rapport. Another couple of the movie is Archana Kavi, Noora’s best friend, and Biyon. While Archana Kavi is a doctor, the latter plays a wildlife photographer. Other actors include Nedumudi Venu, Mukesh, Ambika, Munna, Madhupal and Niyas Marakkar.
One of the unique feature of the film is its music. Vayalar Sarathchandra Varma’s lines are tuned by Mohan Sitara. The composer is back after a sabbatical with four songs.
“This is my ambitious project, after Vellaripravinte Changadi,” says Mohan Sithara who further adds, “The subject gave me an opportunity to explore more on the musical side. The Sufi song by Shankar Mahadevan, a mellifluous song by Devi Nangiar, wedding song by Jisha Naveen and a romantic number by Najeem Arshad are sure to strike a chord with the viewers.”
The film is produced by Mohammed Ansar under the banner of Don Bros.