New-look Dileep
VIJAY GEORGE
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Catch the action on the sets of `Chanthupottu,' which will be released during Onam.
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Different Act: Dileep and Gopika shooting for `Chanthupottu.'
It is easy to guide newcomers to the location of `Chanthupottu' in Arthunkal, near Cherthala. With some big names in Malayalam films in attendance, it has become a big event for the people who live in this scenic area close to the sea.
On a sunny afternoon, director Lal Jose and his crew are busy canning some scenes with the lead pair, Dileep and Gopika.
In `Chanthupottu', Dileep sports an entirely new look. He is Radhakrishnan, who is effeminate in his mannerisms and behaviour. His grandmother had wanted a baby girl and when the baby turned out to be a boy, the newborn, Radhakrishnan, was brought up like a girl. She called him `Radha' and as he grew up, Radhakrishnan became effeminate in his outlook and conduct.
Among his friends, most of whom were girls, he was particularly close to Malu. However, the relationship undergoes a change when the duo realise that they are in love. "He is a `normal person,' but it was just that he got carried away with the way he was brought up," says Lal Jose, about the main character.
"Off the screen, Dileep is often perceived as "soft" though he is actually quite firm in taking decisions during tough situations. At least, he is much more decisive than I am. It was like that even when both of us were assisting Kamal. Now, I am enjoying this role reversal," jokes Lal Jose.
Some time later, the camera is focussed on the kids who enact the childhood of the main characters. A small hut has been built on the shore and the camera is fixed close to the door. Cinematographer Azhagappan is evidently enthusiastic about shooting a film on the lives of people who live on the coast. The film will also be shot in Goa and Pondicherry.
The project was earlier titled `Adbhudavilakku,' but the work on the film was delayed owing to the cinema strike. The story is loosely based on the play written by Benny P. Nayarambalam titled `Arabikkadalum Adbhudavilakkum.' Benny had played the protagonist in the stage version.
"We have taken the main character from the play and Benny has written the script with some major changes to suit the movie version," explains the director.
The cast includes Lal, Indrajit, Bhavana, Biju Menon and Sukumari. Bhavana, who has returned after a Gulf tour, will join the cast in Goa.
Indrajith who essays the villain, Komban Kumaran, says, "Kumaran is in love with Malu, but is furious that she never reciprocates those feelings. It is fun playing a character that is entirely different from what you are - even in dress, mannerisms and outlook." Gopika, who is hot property in Tamil after Cheran's celebrated `Autograph,' is cast as Malu. Lal Jose and Dileep had worked together for `Rasikan.'
Dileep thinks that his new films are compared with `Meesa Madhavan,' which was a super hit. "That is bound to happen, until I come out with a film that is more successful that that. I hope `Chanthupottu' could be that one," he says.
`Chanthupottu' is being produced by Lal under the banner of Lal Creations. The lyrics by Vayalar Saratchandra Varma have been set to tune by Vidyasagar. The film, which the director feels is "an entertainer with a serious theme," will hit the cinema halls during Onam.
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