Chemban Vinod may have had a successful debut as a scriptwriter in Mollywood through Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Angamaly Diaries, but the 'Katta' Angamalykkaran has no plans to slow down as an actor. Busy shooting for B Unnikrishnan’s next Villain starring Mohanlal in the lead, Chemban has a number of other projects lined up in his kitty.
In a free-wheeling chat with Express, Chemban Vinod speaks about how he turned scriptwriter, about his relationship with director Lijo and why he thinks he is a better actor than a scriptwriter.
When did this idea about scripting Angamaly Diaries strike you?
There was this scene in Lijo’s Amen based on a real-life incident which took place in the 1990’s. During the shoot, I thought ‘Why not script a movie based on events that take place in Angamaly’. I sat on the movie for two years. I had initially planned to direct the movie, but then thought better of it, because I didn’t know anything about movie direction.
So, you approached Lijo to make your scripting debut for the movie?
Lijo and I have known each other since our teenage years. He and I are very close. Initially I pitched the idea because I wanted to direct the movie. He told me, ‘Chemba, make a script and then let’s see how we can make it workable’. By the time I completed the script (it took me only 25 days), it was very long. There were so many incidents which I could not do away with.
Finally, I presented the script to Lijo, who sat and edited the entire script with me. By this time, I had decided to hand it over to Lijo to direct. He is a great film maker.
So, do you think that your experience as an actor helped you in making you write a good script?
No. Acting and scriptwriting are two very different things. Infact, I think I am a better actor than a scriptwriter. I want to do good films and be involved in them as an actor. That is where I think I can do well.
Some of your villain roles make you look like a really dangerous person. In turn, your comedy roles have been hugely succesful. As an actor, which role would you prefer to do?
I have no preferences when it comes to acting. The only thing that I ensure before taking up any role is to see whether these characters give me satisfaction as an actor. I am willing to do any role.
Angamaly Diaries marked your brother’s debut Ulas John Chemban as an actor. How did this come around?
We walked the length and breadth of Angamaly and scoured through theatres, art workshops for people who were really good to play the characters in the movie. All were new faces. My brother was in India on vacation for a break from Australia. Lijo was the one who said that we should cast him. He was only too happy to do so. I am glad that everyone in the movie has received a good break.