There couldn’t be a better tribute to a man who loved cinema. As a parting gift to Malayalam’s favourite actor Kalabhavan Mani, Aneesh Varma’s movie Yathra Chodikkathe will hit the screens on April 8.“This is the last movie Mani has acted in. We had shot it some seven or eight months back but the release was postponed due to several reasons. Now we plan to bring it to theatres as a tribute to the departed actor,” says Aneesh Varma.
Yathra Chodikkathe is a family drama and revolves around the beautiful relationship between a man and his daughter. “Mani plays Balan, a labourer, whose life revolves around his daughter and wife. But, things take an ugly turn when his daughter suddenly detaches herself from her parents. What happens form the core of the story,” says Aneesh Varma.
Reena Basheer will play Indira, wife of Balan while Sandhya will play their daughter. The movie is being produced by Shibu Maveli and Haripad Harilal has penned the story.
An Artist Par Excellence
According to Aneesh Varma, Kalabhavan Mani was an artist par excellence. “He was a good soul and a complete artist. We have only fond memories of him on set. When I narrated him the story of ‘Yatra Chodikkathe’, Mani was so touched. He was so teary eyed as being a father he could relate a lot about the movie,” says Aneesh Varma.
He adds that Kalabhavan Mani was also very punctual on the sets. “I had heard rumours that Mani was often late on sets and was reluctant to pick up phone. But, what I experienced was a very punctual and dedicated man who was prompt and dedicated on his work,” says Aneesh.