Filmmaker Mithran Jawahar strongly believes in remakes. Be it the Dhanush-starrer Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008) or Uthamaputhiran (2010), whatever he has taken so far has fared well at the box-office. Now, he has remade the Malayalam hit flick Thattathin Marayathu (2012) in Tamil as Meendum Oru Kadhal Kadhai (MOKK).
He says, “When I remake a film, I don’t do it for the sake of it. Though it’s the same story, it’s treated differently. I change the original script according to the sensibilities of our audience and it has worked out quite well. It’s well-known that scene-by-scene remakes from other languages will not work in Tamil. I hope the Tamil remake gets the same positive reception like the original.”
As far as MOKK is concerned, Jawahar has retained Isha Talwar as the leading lady. “The film revolves around the story of a middle class Hindu boy (Walter Philips), who falls in love with an orthodox Muslim girl (Isha). The complications that arise from it forms the rest of the story. We all have that one friend who has had problems marrying out of their community and this kind of situation is prevalent everywhere! Meendum Oru... is my fifth remake,” he tells us.
But why Thattathin Marayathu, among many Malayalam films? “Malayalam films are novel, content-driven and have a tinge of realism, besides top-notch characterisation. Their stories have a strong plot and are always in demand among the filmmakers. After Thattathin.. was released, there was a huge rage! Wearing a veil became instantly popular, even for non-Muslims,” he smiles. “In an age where romance and break-ups happen on Facebook, here was a film showing that the traditional approach of a man wooing a girl is still alive.”
On retaining Isha Talwar for the remake, Mitran says, “I think she’s one of the most beautiful heroines around and I was very particular that I cast her. When I approached her for the same, she was happy to say ‘yes’, because she told me once that wherever she goes in Kerala, people call her ‘Aisha’ (her character in Thattathin Marayathu).” The film was extensively shot in and around Pollachi
Despite the buzz this remake has generated, Mithran is confident about retaining the essence of the original script though. “Script is the king and when it’s handled in a good way, audience will like it. When anyone attempts a remake, he has to do it with utmost care because there will be comparisons with the original, which is inevitable. The movie shouldn’t look like a Malayalam movie speaking Tamil! A commercial hit in a particular language always has an universal appeal. A filmmaker should adapt the plot to the contemporary scenario, offering a fresh perspective with some mild twists to the original. You need to think more from the perspective of the audience of that language,” he explains.
However, he laughs, it’s best to keep expectations at bay. “Remakes rely on the acceptability of the original script, genuine acting and good music. I am aware of the criticisms that would come in,” he adds. Produced by Sangili Murugan, this remake has Manoj K Jayan, Nasser, Thalaivasal Vijay and Vanitha in pivotal roles.