His heroes often have a heartwarming simplicity and are portrayed with a certain deftness and warmth. Lal Jose’s latest protagonist is no exception as ‘Immanuel’ is someone straight out of an ordinary Malayali household. “Immanuel is a simple tale told in a soft manner. There is no blinding extravagance or melodrama in it. My hero is the representative of average middle-class Malayalis,” says the director about his latest outing.
While the film stars Mammootty in the title role, Reenu Mathews makes her silver screen debut as Immanuel’s wife Annie. The actor, known for his knack to play down-to- earth character, will be playing a middle-aged commoner after ‘Bavootiyude Namathil’. The film, set in a busy city, also explores a socially relevant theme. Lal Jose says the focal point of his film is the rift between two generations and their respective value systems. Immanuel, who passed BA Malayalam in first class, has been working in a publishing house for a long while. His life remains smooth and uneventful until he loses his job. He is a total family man living happily with his wife and kid who is suddenly pushed out of his hassle-free routine. “Immauel joins a multinational and what awaits him there forms the crux of the film. He tries to fit in among his much younger colleagues, but is totally ignorant about the dynamics of the corporate world. The film captures this conflict,” he says.
The director says the narrative has a certain breeziness about it and watching ‘Immanuel’ would definitely bring a smile to your face. “The film has many bitter-sweet moments and there is innate humour in the storyline,” he adds.
Another specialty of the film is the presence of Fahad Fazil who plays an important role along with Mammootty. “Fahad’s character represents the new generation and their ideology. The film examines the change in value system as the youth indulge in so many things considered taboo by the earlier generation.”
Salim Kumar, Mukesh, Sukumari, Aparna Nair, Suja and Sunil Sughathan also appear in important roles. The script has been penned by debutant A C Vijeesh. Visually challenged Afsal Yousuf has composed the music and background score of ‘Immanuel’. While Rafeeq Ahmed has penned the lyrics Pradeep Nair is the cinematographer. The film, produced by S George and distributed by Playhouse, hits the screens today.