The 30-year-long life of an Enfield Bullet that extends from the cluttered streets of Kolkata to the present day Kerala, that is Motorcycle Diaries, the next project of Rajesh Pillai, the director who shot to fame through the 2011 sleeper hit Traffic.
Through Motorcycle Diaries, Rajesh Pillai embarks on a road that has not been taken in Malayalam. “The movie is an autobiography of a motorbike, its ride - both bumpy and smooth - through the lives of its four owners and how it influenced them. The whole movie is in the perspective of the bike and treats the bike as more than an entity,” says Rajesh Pillai.
The movie is also an articulation of the history of India from the eighties. In its journey, the motorcycle has brushes with events - cultural and social - that shaped India. “The film will stress on the feeling of oneness,” says Rajesh Pillai.
He adds that such a theme has rarely been dealt in Malayalam. “Such a theme I think is first. We hope to give the audience an enriching cinematic experience,” he adds.
The movie stars Kunchako Boban, Nivin Pauly and Bollywood actor Vishaka Singh (of Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey fame).
On his movie not being star-driven one, Rajesh Pillai says: “Kunchako and Nivin have carved a niche for themselves in our industry. The movie will have a couple of good actors though its strength is the script just like Traffic.
Besides, music director Shaan Rahman will make a debut in the movie. Shine Tom Chacko, who has acted in Gaddama and Annayum Rasoolum, will also play a part in Motorcycle Diaries.
The movie, which will go on floor by mid-June in Kolkata, will be scripted by famous Bollywood scenarist Suresh Nair, Tamil writer Jeyamohan and Rajesh Pillai himself.
Though director Sugeeth (the man who helmed Ordinary and Three Dots) was initally associated with the movie as its co-producer, he had to walk out of the project due to personal issues. “Now the movie is being produced by Satish, the man who made Three Dots,” says Rajesh Pillai. The movie is expected to hit screens by later October.
Rajesh Pillai, who had gone on record against the producer of Traffic for not promoting the movie, is set to correct the flaws this time.
“We are planning to launch extensive marketing and promotion for Motorcycle Diaries. At present, the movie is just in its pre-production stage,” says Rajesh Pillai.