Man-woman equation doesn’t always end in ‘happily ever after’ and not all marriages are made in heaven. Troubled matrimony, an all-time favourite of filmmakers, forms the basic premise of ‘Njangalude Veettile Athidhikal’, Sibi Malayil’s latest starring Jayaram and Priyamani in the lead. “‘Njangalude Veettile Athidhikal’ is basically a family drama that deals with marital discord. But don’t be deceived by the first look as there is much beyond the seemingly-common theme,” says the director.
Sibi says the USP of his film is its subject which he assures “is far from what it seems to be”. So, more than a simple and straightforward take on marriage what’s in store? “You will have to watch the film to find out. From the promos and trailers you may get an impression that it’s all about the rift in husband-wife relationship. But it’s just the outer layer of it. Inside we have tried to address another issue and it all comes with the right dose of suspense. The film has a strong surprise element and it’s not woven around any run-of-the-mill theme,” he says.
‘Njangalude Veettile Athidhikal’ zooms into a strained marriage, a stage when suspicions on loyalty spring up. “The film discusses whether these doubts are for real or mere assumptions,” says Sibi. Jayaram, who had earlier teamed up with Sibi for hits like ‘Summer in Bethlehem’ and ‘Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum’, plays Manoj, the husband. “Though an advocate by profession, he is also into real estate business,” says the director. Priyamani, who is back after a small break, plays Bhavana, his wife. “But she is not the typical silly housewife you are familiar with. She is an introvert who loves to spend a lot of time with books. As a result of her indulgence her thought process is always influenced by fiction,” he says.
Another key character is played by Narain but the director says he cannot divulge more details about his role. “That will spoil the suspense,” he adds. While Lena appears as Bhavan’s long-time friend, Shajon plays a murder-accused who is a client of Manoj. The film also stars Innocent and KPAC Lalitha in the roles of Manoj’s parents. “Innocent plays a retired advocated who has peacefully settled in his village. Every time Manoj has a problem he runs to his father,” he explains.
When Manoj and Bhavana hit a rough patch a bevy of characters enter their life to sort it out. “Hence the title ‘Njangalude Veettile Athidhikal’, the film explores a situation when outsiders enter your personal life.” Sibi says though the film deals with a serious subject the narrative has a rather humorous vein. “But humour is ingrained in the storyline, not added to pep it up. So don’t expect any slapstick numbers,” he adds. The film produced by Milan Jaleel under the banner of Galaxy films, will hit the screens shortly.
