Indian films are full of family sentiments of every sort that usually touch a chord with the masses. Now add to that oodles of comedy, which is the flavour of the season, and you may just have a runaway hit. That’s exactly what debutant director N Raghavan is attempting to do with Manja Pai. The film showcases the bonding between a grandson (Vemal) and a grandfather (Raj Kiran).
Raghavan, a former assistant to Sargunam, enumerates all the magical moments he captured on camera, as the reel life bonding got almost real.
“This is the first time Raj Kiran is doing a comedy role. My film is produced jointly by Sargunam Cinemas and Thirrupathi Brothers. Sargunam has worked as an assistant in Kreedam, so he knew Raj Kiran. When I narrated my script to Sargunam, he fixed Raj Kiran in his mind for the grandfather’s role and later helped me meet him. The minute the thespian heard the story, he agreed to do it,” recalls Raghavan.
Manja Pai is the story of a village boy, who joins the IT industry. He is brought up by his grandfather and the duo shares a deep bond.
“What happens to the bumpkin when he comes in contact with the modern city lifestyle is the story. Lakshmi Menon plays a dental college intern. In fact, she doesn’t get along at all with Vemal’s grandfather in the film. The story is a mix of sentiment, comedy, action, romance and a complete family entertainer,” says Raghavan.
Apparently, the censors lauded the film and gave it a straight U.
So how did a newcomer feel while directing a veteran like Raj Kiran? “On the first day of the shoot he told me, ‘Look at me as your grandfather and take whatever performance you want out of me.’ Those words made me totally comfortable for the 65- day shoot,” says Raghavan with a laugh.
The bonding apparently, extended even to Vemal. “Both of them became so close that even after the shoot, Vemal calls Raj Kiran paattan (grandfather),” adds Raghavan.
The emotional quotient is supposed to be a highlight of the film.
Narrating an incident he says, “There was one scene where Raj Kiran sells his beloved, deceased wife’s thali, which he always wore in the form of a ring in her memory. He does it in order to buy a laptop for his grandson. Seeing this ultimate sacrifice, Vemal is completely moved. While shooting that scene, the entire unit went quiet for 10 minutes with tears in their eyes. Each one of us could recall a moment when a family elder had sacrificed something personal or given us an invaluable gift. This same chord will strike the hearts of the audiences too,” says Raghavan.
The song aiyoyo thatha oda settai ellam thaangaliye that is already a hit with youngsters, captures the mood of the film. “The thatha–peran chemistry is extraordinary. The duo have lived their roles and it shows on screen,” adds Raghavan. The movie is set for release on June 6.