The quaint village of Vellimanam has just one factor connecting it to the world outside - Hallelooya, an old rickety bus. And, Sudhi Anna’s film by the same name has every ingredient to make it a wistful return to another time and space. “Hallelooya is generally a trip back to the past. It brings back a spate of nostalgic images and memories you can easily relate to. It’s a family entertainer meant for all generations,” says the director.
Hallelooya, set in the late 80s, belongs to the league of films that celebrate village life. “The film is woven around two individuals who grew up in the village. The storyline unravels through flashbacks as the lead characters reminisce their past.” Sudhi adds Hallelooya has a solid script supported by great music and exceptional performances. “The backdrop of the film is equally important. Vellimanam, a village in rural Malabar, is more like a character,” he says.
Narain appears on screen as Dr Roy, a foreign-returned psychiatrist. “Roy has to leave the village due to some unfortunate circumstances. With the help of Fr Francis, the local vicar, he goes to Paris and settles there,” he says. Meghana plays Dr Meera, Roy’s childhood sweetheart who now works as a pediatrician. “On his return Roy meets Meera and what follows is a bittersweet trip back to their past,” he says.
The film also marks the return of Narain after a break and Sudhi says Dr Roy will be a memorable role for the actor. “When we completed the script the first face that came to our mind was Narain’s,” he says. Sudheer Karamana, Sajitha Madathil, Ganesh Kumar, Devi Ajith, Sunil Sugatha, Shaji, Eric and Durga are also part of the cast.
While ‘Hallelooya’ has its script and dialogues penned by S A Abhiman and Suniraj Kasyap, Ragesh Narayanan cranks the camera. The film, produced by K M Surendran under the banner of Barking Dogs Seldom Bites Films, will hit the screens this Friday.