Their nights don’t have a snooze button. Jiju Asokan says there is an interesting analogy between ants and robbers. Both are extremely alert and disciplined, hardly taking a second off once they set their minds on a mission. “They are so purpose-driven, diligent and organised,” says the director whose Urumbukal Urangarilla is woven around a crop of small-scale robbers.
And, though the film zooms into the world of crooks, it doesn’t follow the format of a larger-than-life heist movie. “It’s basically a comedy, a film filled with subtle humour to be precise,” Jiju says. Vinay Fort plays Manoj, a rookie training under master thief Benny (Chemban Vinod). “Benny is not ready for the gamble first, but later takes Manoj under his wings,” he says. It’s not just tricks they share, but also a fate, something they can’t get away for long. “At one point or other they all end up inside the bars and its where new brotherhoods and strategies are formed. For the film I interacted with a lot of ex-thieves who shared some amazing stories,” he says.
While Ananya and Janaki play the female leads, Aju Varghese, Innocent, Kalabhavan Shajon, Sreejith Ravi, Sunil Sugatha, Musthafa, Vanitha Krishnachandran and Thesni Khan are also part of the cast. “Sudheer Karamana plays another key role as ace thief Kelu Asan. Once a master burglar, Kelu is now retired from his profession. In the past he had trained a lot of thieves including Benny,” he says.
The story unravels in and around Thrissur, “It’s a backdrop I could easily relate to. Since I am familiar with the place and its traits it came out as the most natural setting,” says Jiju who is also the scenarist of the film. As the film is getting ready for release, the makers have already been approached for the Tamil remake. “We haven’t given the nod yet. But the discussions are on,” he adds.
The film has its camera cranked by Vishnu Narayanan and editing by Lijo Paul. “The music is scored by Gopi Sundar and it has a beautiful track penned by Hari Naryanan and sung by Jayachandran. The trio are once again joining hands after the hit ‘Olenjali Kuruvi...’,” says Jiju. The film produced by T B Raghunathan under the banner of Kamalam films, will hit the screens shortly.