THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It may be a short film but 'Midnight Run' received a welcome that only a few critically-acclaimed feature films can boast of. At the 11th edition of International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, Remya Raj’s 14-minute maiden venture Midnight Run was screened before a jam-packed audience.
It has acclaimed director-actor Dileesh Pothan and award-winning child actor Chethan Jayalal in the lead. According to Remya, the response was so great that she is inspired to do a feature film. “ As a visual communication graduate, my aim is to prove that I can make a feature film. I am happy that my film got rave reviews. Even my mentor Sibi Malayil sir appreciated it. It also gives me more responsibility. My ultimate aim is to make a mainstream film. So, this attempt is a stepping stone,” says Remya.
Midnight Run is a realistic drama that takes place on a single night. It revolves around a young boy from a scrap yard. On a festive night, he is compelled to hitch a ride with a trucker. Despite his attempts to strike a friendship with the driver, he fails and this creates an uncomfortable silence in the truck. Slowly, he realises the danger that looms over him and there seems to be no escape. Midnight Run tries to realistically portray fear’s ability to trigger a complete transformation in people.
“The film is about the emotion of fear. It deals with the transformation of a person who triggers the fear and the other who is at the receiving end. I shot the film in Kochi and only during nights. The technicians were very supportive,” says Remya.
Remya had earlier planned a project titled’ Vambathi’ with Fahad Fasil in the lead. But, it failed to take off due to the actor’s date issues. However, she said the project has never been dropped and would materialise soon. “I needed to prove the producers that I can make films which can be a hit. For instance, Anjali Menon made a name in the Malayalam film industry after the hit film, Bangalore Days. Similarly, when I approach the producers, I need to show something worthy,” Remya said.
Midnight Run will also be screened at the Hungary Short Film Festival this year. The film also has a strong backing of experienced technicians. While Gireesh Gangadharan cranks the camera, Kiran Das, known for his work in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, is the editor. The story is by BT Anilkumar. Satheesh Eriyalath produced the film