What happens when a handful of industry’s most promising names come together? 5 Sundarikal doesn’t just boast of a stellar cast, but also a brilliant crew who almost overshadow the stars. The film, an anthology strung together by a common theme, is an unrestrained celebration of love as it unravels five different shades of romance. “5 Sundarikal is a love anthology and the only connecting thread between the segments is the subject,” says Amal Neerad, producer and one of the directors.
Anwar Rasheed’s Aami, Aashiq Abu’s Gouri, Amal Neerad’s Kullante Bharya, Sameer Thahir’s Esha and Shyju Khalid’s Sethulakshmi are the pieces that fit into the film. Though the titles of the five individual episodes show an affinity towards the fairer sex, Amal insists the film is not a female-oriented take. “They are five straight and simple tales of love. Male characters are equally strong, but women have a slight upper-hand making them the defining elements of the narrative,” he explains.
For the makers of 5 Sundarikal it’s not just a film, but the result of two-decade-long brotherhood and camaraderie. Most members of the core crew are long-time buddies and Amal says the idea sprang in one of their routine get-togethers.
“Once the basic format was set after some brainstorming sessions, each one went ahead with his individual idea. 5 Sundarikal is our humble tribute to the 100 years of Indian cinema.”
He says making of the film was a fun-filled affair as it involved a group of friends and cinephiles who have known each other for a long time. “I hope all the good vibes we experienced while filming reach the audience too,” he adds.
Amal, who is known for his fetish for action, agrees that it’s the first time he is trying his hands at a different genre. “I think it’s the same with all others. It will be the first romantic film in our filmography,” says Amal who goes on to add that though an assortment of love stories 5 Sundarikal will not be any run-of-the-mill product.
“It’s not the regular candy floss stuff you are familiar with. In Indian cinema there is a set of conventional storylines and situations when it comes to love stories. We have tried to bypass the cliched road,” he adds.
The film has an enviable ensemble featuring Fahad Fazil, Dulquer Salman, Jayasurya, Nivin Pauly, Biju Menon, Kavya Madhavan, Isha Sharvani, Reenu Mathew, Honey Rose and Ashmita Sood among others.
While child artists Anika and Chetan play the leads in Shyju Khalid’s Sethulakshmi, Isha and Ashmita make their Mollywood debut through Esha and Aami. Among the writers are M Mukundan, Unni R, Sidharth Bharathan, Abhilash Kumar, Shyam Pushkaran, Muneer Ali, Hashir Muhammad and Sijoy Varghese. Rajeev Ravi, Amal Neerad, Shyju Khalid, Alby and Ranadive wields camera for the various sections. Gopi Sundar, Biji Bal, Prashanth Pillai and Yakzan Gary Pereira have scored music to the lines penned by Kavalam Narayana Panicker, Rafeeq Ahamed and Sunil Raj Sathya. The film hits the screens this weekend.