Asif Ali, his eyes sunken, walks into the frame in a hospital uniform. Jayasurya sports a bald-and-bony look and Suresh Gopi breaks into a half-run, his face all flushed and panicky. The teaser trilogy of Apothecary will definitely pique your interest and to top it all, the film comes from Madhav Ramadasan, the young filmmaker who created quite a stir with his debut Melvilasam. “The film is basically a medical thriller set against the backdrop of an upscale city hospital. It explores the concepts of humanity and doctor-patient relationship,” says Madhav.
While Suresh Gopi plays Dr Vijay Nambiar, a renowned neurosurgeon, Abhirami appears on screen as his wife Dr Nalini, a gynaecologist. “In certain critical circumstances we easily realise the rights and wrongs of life. The film shows how a person travels up the road to reach that moment,” he adds. Jayasurya, who has a special getup for the film, plays Subin Joseph and is paired opposite Meera Nandan. “Their characters, along with that of Asif’s, are part of the film’s suspense,” says the director.
Apart from the lead actors Indrans, Kavitha Nair and Thampi Antony are also part of the cast.
While zooming into the professional life of doctors, the film also traces their emotional ties.
“It shows how certain experiences change your perspective towards life and values. The narrative follows the two pairs and woven into the storyline is a socially relevant subject,” says the director.
Apothecary is an archaic usage which means ‘a druggist licensed to prescribe medicines’. “Earlier, each village used to have a resident apothecary who will make house visits to treat patients. I felt it’s a title that fits into the basic story premise,” he says. Madhav says Apothecary will be a film full of surprises as it deals with a unique subject. “The film has a certain freshness quotient. The narrative pattern, which will be something new to Malayali audience, is the major highlight,” he adds.
Apothecary made a buzz in industry circles when Jayasurya went for a total physical makeover for the film. The actor lost oodles of weight and looks frail and scrawny in the posters. “Jayasurya has put on a lot of effort for the film. He had to tonsure his head and shed nearly 15 kilos. It took him three entire months to look his part in Apothecary. His physique has its own relevance in the film,” says the director.
The film is also the comeback vehicle of Abhirami, who was missing from the scene for over a decade. “Since she is returning after a break there is a mix of freshness and familiarity. Moreover we wanted an actress who will suit the role of a mature medical professional,” says the director.
The film produced by Dr Baby Mathew and Dr George Mathew under the banner of Arambankudiyil Cinemas, is expected to hit screens by August.