After giving a tripping time in 2013 with his stoner movie Kili Poyi, director Vinay Govind is all set for a second innings. This time, he is in search of the priceless diamond in the world - the Kohinoor.
“As the title suggests, Kohinoor is a heist movie set in 1988. Running parallel to the heist plot is a comedy angle. It is a fun film with all the elements of an entertainer. It is a thriller, but has romance and celebrates friendship,” says Vinay Govind.
Asif Ali plays Louis and Aju Varghese plays his partner in crime. “Aju plays the role of Aandy Kunju and comes in a different get up. He plays a strong character. Asif is not the only protagonist. Haider played by Indrajith also has an important role. In fact when I heard the story, it was to Indran whom I approached first because I wanted his nod for Haider’s role,” says Vinay.
The story revolves around Louis and Aandy Kunju who are on the lookout of hitting a jackpot, which when joined by Haider takes an altogether new route. Chemban Vinod as Nicholas and Vinay Forrt as Freddy play the confidantes of Haider in the movie.
Ask more about the title, Vinay says, “We all know about Kohinoor diamond. It has a great vintage value, likewise the film too has elements which recreates a forgotten past.”
The story is penned by Salil Menon and Ranjeet Kamala Shankar. “Kohinoor is their debut film and when Salil and Ranjeet approached with this story, I was allured by its vintage feel,” explains the 27-year-old.
Interestingly, Kohinoor is the second outing of Vinay with Asif Ali. The film is also the first production venture of Asif.
“It is always a comfort working with friends. And, my bond with Asif comes from Kili Poyi days. Though he wasn’t vocal about producing films, the possibility of Kohinoor interested him. And that’s how he began the production house Adam’s World of Imagination along with his friends,” says Vinay.
Aparna Vinod who debuted in Priyanandan’s Njan Ninnodu Koodeyundu plays the female lead in the film. “She plays Louis’s love interest Daisy and is an inevitable part of the film,” says Vinay.
Bhavana as Lilly appears in a cameo. The cast includes Risababa, Meghanathan, Johny, Sudheer Karamana, Pradeep Kottayam and Mamukkoya. Recreating 80s era was a challenge for Vinay. He says, “Setting 40s or 50s era is rather easy as there is a visible difference in costumes, surroundings and lifestyle. But 80s time borderlines the new age and old times. Both Pradheesh (M Varma) cinematographer and Arju Ben, editor, have been successful in creating that retro feel in the film. Even the costumes designed by Sameera Saneesh is great,” says Vinay.
The music is composed by Rahul Raj. The film set in the backdrop of Thalassery - Vadakara, will hit the screens on September 24.