It seems like a formula-skewing romcom. There is something to melt your heart, tickle your tear ducts and keep you on the edge of your seat. Madhura Naranga, coming from the Ordinary team, has in store something you least expect - a real-life story with minimal cinematic tampering. “It’s leagues apart from Ordinary in terms of theme and treatment,” says Kunchako Boban who plays the lead in the film.
Madhura Naranga is woven around two cabbies and Thamara, a Sri Lankan girl, who enters their life. “It’s a real-life incident and we have tried to present it without much spicing up. Kunchako and Biju Menon play Jeevan and Salim, two taxi drivers among the huge mass of Malayalis in UAE. Madhura Naranga shows what happens when love blooms between Jeevan and Thamara,” says director Sugeeth. “Jeevan is no larger-than-life hero, but someone willing to help others. He falls for Thamara knowing everything about her and the risk involved,” adds Kunchako. The film is also the launching pad of Parvathy, the daughter of yesteryear actor Ratheesh, who plays Thamara. While another key character is played by Neeraj Madhav, Suraj Venjaramood, Aparna Nair, Midhun are also part of the cast.
Sugeeth says his film is spiked with humour, though it’s not a total laugh riot. “Since we are dealing with a realistic plot there is no space for non-stop comedy. But there is this humourous track that totally blends with the storyline. Other than that we haven’t tried to force in fun moments,” he says. It’s also a film loaded with suspense, a story that keeps you on the tenterhooks from the very moment title cards start rolling. “The film has an element of suspense that builds up to a really unique climax,” says Sugeeth. He says with the Sri Lankan connection there is bound to have some speculations about the subject. “There has been a couple of films with Sri Lankan characters, but Madhura Naranga is totally different. It’s a film that celebrates romance and friendship.”
Kunchako says it was his co-star Biju Menon who came up with the title Madhura Naranga. “We were looking for a title that suits its plot and backdrop. At the same time we didn’t want a very serious title as well. We felt Madhura Naranga is a simple and sweet title, and just like the story it has the right balance of sweetness and tartness,” he says.
Another highlight of the film is that it doesn’t have a single frame shot in Kerala, the major locations being UAE and Sri Lanka.
“UAE is one of my favourite locations and the film features beautiful songs,” says the actor.
Composer duo Sreejith and Sachin, of Yuvvh fame, will be making their film debut through the film. Madhura Naranga, produced by M K Nassar and Stanly C S under the banner Good Line Productions, will hit the screens this Friday.