It was around two decades ago that N P Ambujakshan, a tailor-cum-novelist, narrated the love story of Sumathi which he wanted to be made into a film, in Kamal’s 1996 movie ‘Azhakiya Ravanan’.
Unlike the title of the film - ‘Chirakodinja Kinavukal’ - Ambujakshan’s dream has taken off smoothly to a new horizon. Debutant Santhosh Viswanath and scriptwriter Praveen S, have transformed a 2-minute-long-story into an upcoming two-and-a-half hour film which goes by the same title.
“It was Praveen who initially got the idea of making a film on Ambujakshan’s story which is packed with satires and cliches of Malayalam film. When we approached Sreenivasan, he was happy and interested to do the role of Ambujakshan once again,” says Santhosh.
Probably the first spoof movie of Malayalam, say its makers, ‘Chirakodinja Kinavukal’ will be a laugh riot for the viewers. “The film will not just be a narration of a story but a humourous visual treat revolving around a love story. Only the character of Ambujakshan is culled out from the ‘96 film. Beyond audience’s prediction of the story, the film carries a suspense too,” says Santhosh who has worked with K K Rajeev for the past 12 years.
The movie revolves around Sumathi, a 19 year-old village belle, who falls in love with a tailor. Her father, a woodcutter, opposes their affair and fixes her marriage with an NRI. The rest of the movie deals with how this
Romeo-Juliet deal and overcome the ebb and flow of their relationship. “Sumathi’s role is very important in the film. Only her character has a name and rest have petnames,” says the director. Rima Kallingal, who was missing in action after marriage, essays the role of Sumathi while Kunchako Boban will be playing her Romeo.
Interestingly, in the film Kunchako Boban will be playing a dual role, which is his career’s first. He will be seen sporting evergreen actor
Prem Nazir-inspired look, with a clean shaven face and a thin moustache and well set hair. “Chakochan (Kunchako Boban) will be playing both hero and villain of the film. In the second role, he will be playing the NRI suitor of Sumathi. He sports a new-gen stylish look. And with Chakochan’s suggestion, another cliche we have introduced to represent good and evil is to have a white-skinned hero and dark-skinned villain,” says Santhosh.
The movie set in the backdrop of the 1980s era focuses on the socio-cultural scenario too. “There is a representation of politics, cast and other cultural background shown through the lifestyle of the people in the film. Though 80s period is shown, time is not of an important factor to the story which has two plots running parallel. Ambujakshan’s life is also delved deeper,” says Praveen.
Joy Mathew will portray the role of wood cutter while Srinda Ashab will be seen as Sumathi’s friend. Lalu Alex, Innocent, Manoj K Jayan, Jacob Gregory, Kalaranjini, Mammukoya and Keerikadan Jose will also be seen in pivotal roles.
“We have given importance to the crafting of ‘Chirakodinja Kinavukal’. The overall contribution of costume designer Sameera Saneesh, art director Biju Chandran and Sreejith Guruvayoor’s also needs a special mention,” adds Praveen.
Camera is cranked by S Vaidy, editing by Mahesh Narayanan and music is composed by Deepak Dev. Chirakodinja Kinavukal produced by Listin Stephen under the banner of Magic Frames will hit the screens on May 1.