He is just a speck among the sea of faces - nameless and insignificant. The hero of Perariyathavar, a temporary corporation sweeper, belongs to that crowd of fringe-dwellers. “His character in the film doesn’t have a name either. It’s a film about people who lack social acceptance, their politics or rather the absence of it,” says Dr Biju about his award-winning film ready to hit the marquee this weekend.
Through a widower and his 10-year-old son Perariyathavar unravels a slew of social issues mainstream films shy away from. “It discusses everything from Muthanga and Vilappilsala to Moolampilly and migrant labourers,” says the director.
The nameless hero, Suraj Venjaramoodu in his national-award-winning role, collects garbage and takes it outside the city in a trash truck. “Rag-pickers, street vendors, gypsies - we usually meet such people on a daily basis but we hardly know their names. Then there are people subjected to eviction and relocation. The film tries to trace the lives of these people who are far removed from mainstream. At the same time it touches upon the social and political map of Kerala during the last 15 years,” he explains. While Master Govardhan plays the son, Indrans, Nedumudi Venu, Sasi Kalinga, Anoop Chandran, Krishnan, Sona Nair, and Seema G Nair are also part of the cast.
Dr Biju says he wanted a normal-looking actor without any airs of stardom for the film. “Suraj was not the initial option, but he turned out to be a perfect choice. He could easily imbibe the body language and mannerisms of the hero,” he says. Perariyathavar, produced by Anilkumar K, has a handful of national and international recognitions to its credit.