Mollywood has witnessed a spate of movies in which different languages and slangs were exploited beautifully to create heart touching stories. Churning out yet another interesting story where language not only generates humour but also narrates a cross-cultural linking of hearts is director Salam Bappu’s latest outing titled ‘Manglish’. The movie deals with how two people conversing in two alien languages chance meet and later on become dependable shoulders.
Mammootty will be portraying the role of Malik Bhai, a fish auctioneer in ‘Manglish’. He is a down-to-earth, simple person who helps people in need and reacts furiously when deceived. More about the superstar’s character, Salam says, “Malik Bhai is a typical fish auctioneer. His tongue is his bread winner. He only knows to speak in Malayalam and that too in typical Mattanchery style slang. Though externally he might appear a bit rough, he is a good natured human being.” The story revolves around the life of Malik Bhai and his life surrounding his business in Kochi harbour.
The family-oriented comic flick talks about the lives of common people. “Manglish doesn’t deal with the lives of the new generation of Kochi, but with the level headed people who lead a simple life in the coastal region of the city. They know how to enjoy their life in their own ways,” explains the director about his second outing.
In the not-so-happening life of Malik Bhai, one fine day, Michelle, a tourist treads unannounced. Malik’s chance meeting with her, and the interesting incidents that follow form the crux of the story. “Michelle only knows English but Malik Bhai doesn’t understand the language. Michelle is in a problem and to deal with that, she needs Malik Bhai’s help,” says Salam. Caroline Bech, essays the role of Michelle in the movie.
When two people who don’t have a common language to communicate enjoy each other’s company and strike a common chord in course of time forms the rest of the story.
Talking more about Michelle’s character, the director says, “She is a girl from England on a holiday with her boyfriend. She is modern and a cool person.”
“More than the language, the film sheds light on how two cultures gel together. Though film revolves around the life of a common man, it has an international aspect too. Michelle is a foreigner, but due to some unfortunate incidents she is stuck in an alien land. ‘Manglish’ tells her story too,” adds Salam.
Pothan, a homestay manager played by Raveendran, a tourist guide played by Vinay Forrt, P Balachandran, Sattar, Sunil Sugatha, Sasi Kallingal, Srinda Ashab and Sreedhanya will also be seen in prominent roles in ‘Manglish’.
‘Manglish’ has four songs composed by Gopi Sundar. “Harinarayanan and Santhosh Varma has penned the lyrics. Another highlight is that, for the first time Dulquar Salman has rendered a song in Mammookka’s movie,” says Salam.
Riyas has penned the script and the camera is cranked by Pratheesh Varma.
Manglish produced by Haneef Muhammed under the banner of Red Rose creations will hit the screens on July 27.