Mani's triple act
VIJAY GEORGE
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Kalabhavan Mani, who is on a dream run, essays three roles in Sunil Karyattukara's film `Chacko Randaman.'
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RUSTIC CHARM: Kalabhavan Mani and Mohini enact a flashback scene in `Chacko Randaman.'
A bullock cart takes a trial run down a dusty road in the middle of a paddy field near Puthupally, Kottayam. Sunil Karyattukara, who makes his debut as an independent director with `Chacko Randaman,' opts for a long shot to capture the picturesque green surroundings.
As most of the unit members are young, the energy level on the sets is high. Kalabhavan Mani appears in three roles in this film.
Cinematographer Jain Joseph, who has cranked the camera for films like `Neythukaran,' `Parayam' and `In the name of Buddha,' mounts the camera on a crane as Mani makes an entry. He plays `Ottachavittu Chacko,' who is well known for his expertise in rural sporting games like arm wrestling and tug-of-war. It is a flashback scene, which will feature Mani and Mohini. `Ottachavittu Chacko was forced to marry Sainabanu (Mohini) owing to certain circumstances.
Family drama
The film `Chacko Randaman,' is essentially a family drama narrated in an action mood," says the director.
The story unfolds in a village called Thenkasimangalam and Mani essays the roles of three generations. Ottachivittu Chacko, his son Johnykutty, and `Chacko Randaman.'
When `Ottachivittu Chacko's son, Johnykutty, is imprisoned, the prodigal grandson is called in. Chacko Randaman, who is like his grandfather in mannerisms, gets things moving. The film revolves around the exploits of Chacko Randaman.
Adityan, who was noticed for his role as a villain in `Ben Johnson' and in the recent `Rashtram,' is `Parunthu Gopi' who turns a wily foe after years of friendship with Ottachivittu Chacko.
By evening, the unit shifts to a house on the way to Peroor. Villagers line up to watch the proceedings as the unit struggles to manage them.
The hero is welcomed with loud cheers and a few mimic his trademark chortle. Mani amuses the crowd with his chortle. Mani is quite a draw with the crowds. He has cut down on his Tamil and Telugu projects and a host of films are in the pipeline with him in the lead.
"It's not that I am into hero roles alone. My films are made on a limited budget and it needs only a few weeks to recover the investments," says Mani.
Jyotirmayi, who has found appreciation in Tamil, is playing Meenakshi, Chacko Randaman's love. She has already completed `Thalainagaram' with director Sundar C as the hero and her next film in Malayalam will be V.K. Prakash's `Moonnamathoral.'
The other actor on the set is Bheeman Raghu who had surprised the audience with his comic act in `Naran' and `Rajamanikyam.' He is the junior Mani's chum in the film. Raghu who had been branded as a villain is delighted with the sudden change in image.
`Chacko Randaman' is being produced by Saji Nanthiyat under the banner of Nanthiyat films. The scenarist for the film is Biju Devassy, music is by Sundar C. Babu, who won acclaim for his tunes in the recent `Chithiram Pesuthadi.' Stills are by Saleesh Peringottukara.
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