It seems the fusion of love and friendship never stops to inspire filmmakers. Exploring the theme once again is Manu Kannanthanam’s Dooram, a romantic-thriller partly shot in Bangkok. “The film captures two phases in the hero’s life. His campus romance and what happens when that ends in tragedy,” says the director.
Dooram follows Dennis, the hero played by Maqbool Salman, as he boards a flight to Bangkok. “During his college days Dennis falls for Ann and there starts a colourful campus romance. But later, when it ends on an unhappy note, he drops out of college and relocates to Bangkok in search of a job,” he explains. During the flight to Bangkok Dennis meets Riti, Ann’s look-alike. “And instead of going for the regular double role we have used twins to play Ann and Riti. It took us nearly an year to find the right actors. Perhaps it will be the first time you see twins playing heroines in Malayalam,” says Manu.
Aima Sebastian, who played Ammu in Jacobinte Swargarajyam, will be playing Ann as her twin Aina appears as Riti. “Though they are twins in real life the two characters Ann and Riti in the film are not related. The plot thickens after Dennis’ accidental encounter with Riti, a mysterious girl,” he adds.
Dooram is also the story of Dennis’ three friends as the film celebrates friendship as much as love. Shine Tom Chacko, Bhagath Manuel and Nirmal play the other three characters in the foursome. “It’s not a totally hero-oriented film. All the four friends share equal reel space,” he adds. Shine Tom Chacko appears as Sam, a youngster who doesn’t believe in love. “But after college his life completely changes,” he says. Archana Kavi, Anjali Aneesh, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Idavela Babu, Sai Kumar and Sasi Kalinga are also part of the cast.
The film has its music composed by Muhammad Rizwan, former composer of A R Rahman, while Gopi Sunder scores background music. Dooram has been shot in a number of locations including Kochi, Banglore, Bangkok and Amsterdam. The film, produced by Shaji Mathew under the banner of NIV Art Movies, will hit the screens shortly.