The lives of the non-natives is a subject close to the hearts of many filmmakers. The anguish, alienation and identity crisis of expatriates find a place in many films. ‘Velli Velichathil’, helmed by national award winning director Madhu Kaithapram that hits the screens on Friday is about an introspective journey in the lives of several such NRIs.
The outing that stars media personality John Brittas and actress Iniya in lead roles has been shot completely in Muscat. The film is inspired by a novella written by Malayalam author C V Balakrishnan who has written the script and screenplay of the film.
“The pulsating city of Muscat is the main character of the film. The place is a haven for many Malayalis who lead a life with a baggage of unfulfilled dreams. Each individual has a distinctive character and a story to unwind and somehow their paths cross,” says the director.
CV wrote the novella in 2013 after visiting the place and the director found a scope for a new-generation outing in it. “I have always been impressed by the contours of human relations and the turmoil they pass through, irrespective of the place where they live in. The film is one such story,” says Madhu who won the national award for best debut director in 2006 for his movie ‘Ekantham’, a poignant take on two brothers who suffer loneliness in their old age.
Brittas plays Upendran, a typical corporate honcho in the flick. He is the executive of a British company in Oman. Quiz the director why he opted for a person with a non-filmy background to don the main role, and pat comes the reply, “When I read the story, the image of a man with a laid-back disposition but a brilliant mind came to my mind as the lead character. Brittas fitted the bill and so I approached him. Though initially apprehensive he did a good job,” says Madhu.
Upendran’s life is in a turmoil, with things moving against his wishes. The man faces many hard knocks that affect his family life. He falls in love with a bar dancer and life makes takes a turning point punctuated with a series of events.
Iniya plays Thanuja, the bar dancer. “Like others, she too nurtures many dreams,” explains the director. A handful of other characters complete the plot.
While Raveendran acts as the bar manager, Lalu Alex is Upendran’s friend. The others in the cast include Suraj Venjaramood, Sudheer Karamana, Sreejith Ravi and Tini Tom. “Each one of them have prominent role in the movie,” says the director.
Shot in exclusive ethereal beaches, mountains and other picturesque locations of Muscat, the film has Sinu Sidharth behind the camera. Deepankuran is the music director of the three songs sung by Hariharan, Chithra and Ahmad Ramshi. The film has been produced by Ramesh Nambiar under the banner of Well Flow Talkies.