His two films, ‘Maad Dad’ and ‘Isaac Newton s/o Philipose’ are slated for release this Friday, but actor-director Lal sounds completely unperturbed by the whole hullabaloo. Playing the lead in both the movies, Lal says, “There is absolutely no tension, though it would be a delightful experience, if the films fare well at the box office.”
Speaking about the two ventures, Lal says an undercurrent of humour and warm familial ties are the common elements in both films. “New-gen films do not often discuss stories about our households, but such films too have viewers,” he observes.
“’Maad Dad’, as the title indicates, is about an eccentric father, who shares an intimate relationship with his daughter, and the film is expected to be a light-hearted joyride,” says he.
Debutant director Revathy S Varma wields the megaphone for ‘Maad Dad’. Lal, for whom this is his maiden association with a female director says, “It is an altogether different experience. Competence and proficiency in the craft matters a lot in filmmaking, along with other factors. The emergence of more technicians from among the fairer sex is a welcome change.” Nazriya Nazim, Meghana Raj, Lalu Alex, Padmapriya, Vijayaraghavan and Janardanan will also play key roles in ‘Maad Dad’.
In ‘Isaac Newton s/o Philipose’, directed by newcomer V Bose, Lal plays the role of the pampered son of Philipose, with Nedumudi Venu playing Philipose. “We share a crackling chemistry in this comic caper where my character is an easy-going laggard. Philipose has his share of expectations about Newton, while the latter is struggling hard to pass SSLC. When the film opens, Newton is writing the board exam for the eighteenth time,” laughs Lal.
Abhinaya is paired with Lal in the film as a nursery school teacher. The actor is full of praise for his hearing-and-speech impaired co-star. “Abhinaya has bowled me over with her sheer brilliance in acting and diligence,” says the actor. Tini Tom also plays a crucial role in the film.
The actor, who has a number of films in pipeline says he is not concerned about the genre of films he chooses. The state award recipient, who has also acted in some new-gen movies says, “Different films demand different styles. Genuineness is all that matters.” The actor is currently shooting for ‘Ayal,’ directed by Suresh Unnithan.