THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Until recently, cancer was one of the pet themes of filmmakers across the globe to evoke sympathy and tears. And here comes a short film which tells that cancer is not the end of life.
Speechless, a short film dedicated to actor Jishnu Raghavan, who survived the illness, speaks volumes on the need to have a positive approach towards the disease. Based on a real-life incident, the 12-minute film has been directed by Jolly Joseph.
This is Jolly’s debut as a director. Earlier, he was the producer of three feature films, Chandranilekkulla Vazhi, Heart Beats and Kazhinja Kalam. Jolly, who has penned the script, is also the producer.
“The experience of a friend at the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cancer Center led to the film Speechless. We want to inspire all those who are returning to life after undergoing the trauma of cancer, including Jishnu, a friend. Cancer is not the end of life and Jishnu, who is making a return to life, is a testimony to this,” said Jolly.
The film deals with incidents in the life of Raghav, a teacher of communication studies. He is looking after his daughter after he lost his wife early. The film ends with Raghav telling his daughter that he would not be able to speak to her any more as he has tongue cancer. So, his tongue was going to be removed. The film tells that though he may not be able to speak to his daughter, it is not the end of their life together.
Shafeer Sait, a film producer with many films to his credit, plays Raghav. Bijibal’s background score is another highlight. V Saajan is the editor, while Vipin Ram has written the dialogues. Shiju Guruvayur is behind the lens.
Jishnu, a mechanical engineer, is the son of actor Raghavan and made his film debut in a leading role in the blockbuster movie Nammal in 2002. He is notable for his roles in Ordinary, Nidra, Ustad Hotel, Banking Hours 10 to 4, Rebbecca Uthup Kizhakemala, Choonda, Freedom, Parayam, Nerariyan CBI and Chakkara Muthu.
Actor Mamtha Mohandas is also a cancer survivor, a fact known to many. However, not many were aware of Jishnu’s illness, until he posted a Twitter update: “By God’s grace and your prayers, the surgery I had to go through was successful. I am back home now and recovering. The cancerous tumor was completely removed. For complete recovery it will take another six months, I guess. Thanks a lot for your prayers and support.” Speechless can be viewed on YouTube.