Another film with music as backdrop
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Ranjit's `Chandrolsavam' has Mohanlal and Meena in the lead roles.
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On location in Varikkassery Mana, near Ottappalam
THE BHARATHAPUZHA is only a shadow of its former self. On its banks, director Ranjit is shooting a scene of his film `Chandrolsavam.'
The scene has musician V. Dakshinamoorthy, who is playing a cameo role, in conversation with his student, played by Mohanlal. A remote-controlled camera captures the actors and the scenic background. Ranjit and cinematographer Azhagappan watch the shot from the monitor.
"It is the story of Sreehari for whom music is the world. He lives in Delhi for a while before retuning to his `tharavadu.' He then goes to Paris and returns to spend time with his loved ones. His friends, most of whom are elder to him, mean a lot to Sreehari," Ranjith says about the film.
Meena plays the heroine, Indulekha, who gets married to Balachandran, played by Murali Menon.
A large part of the film has been shot at the Varikkassery Mana, near Ottappalam. The art director Suresh Kollam has added some sets that match the original in every respect.
So, is the film on the lines of some of the earlier "larger than life" genre of movies? "Not really. Mohanlal's appearance should provide the answer. Even the name of the film conveys a different message." says the director. Just then, the director Bhadran drops in at the location. His `Udayon' with Mohanlal is all set to start rolling soon.
"Though loads of films have been shot in this area, the beauty of this place can get you hooked," says Azhagappan.
Santhosh Damodar, the producer, watches the proceedings on the monitor. "Though some projects had come up after `Ivar,' I decided to wait for this film to happen. It has been my dream to produce a film with Ranjit and Mohanlal. I am happy that the wait has been worth it," he says.
As the final shot of the day gets the approval of the director, everyone on the set seeks the blessings of Dakshinamoorthy. As Dakshinamoorthy starts walking towards the car parked nearby, he asks for his paan. Mohanlal jokes: "Now I know why you were in a hurry to complete the shots," and gets his share of paan.
What does Dakshinamoorthy feel about facing the camera? "Absolutely fantastic," says the musician. "It is great working with a group of people who are so sure of what they are doing. My performance is for others to gauge." He feels that not much has changed on the film-sets over the years except for the "technical advancement."
`Chandrolsavam' will hit the cinema halls during Vishu. The film, scripted by Ranjit, boasts of an impressive star cast, including the queen of yesteryear Sarada.
The lyrics penned by Gireesh Puthanchery have been set to tune by Vidyasagar.
VIJAY GEORGE
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