Novel theme
P. K. AJITH KUMAR
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`Kayyoppu,' which is director Ranjith's seventh film, is about the travails of a writer suffering from writer's block.
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AUTHORSPEAK : Mammootty plays a writer and Mukesh, a small-time publisher in `Kayyoppu.'
What happens when you encounter writer's block while writing your first book? Director Ranjith tries to tackle this question in his new film `Kayyoppu.'
"The film is about how Balachandran, the protagonist, overcomes his writer's block," says Ranjith, even as preparations are under way in an old house in Kozhikode to shoot a scene showing Mammootty, who plays Balachandran, and Mukesh, who enacts Sivadasan, a small-time publisher.
"Yes, I am playing a man of letters once more," says Mammootty, with a broad smile. "I did enjoy my role as one in movies like `Aksharangal', `Sukrutham,' `Kareelakattu Pole' and `Padheyam.' I have also played a journalist in films like `New Delhi' and `Utharan."
The scene is being shot in Balachandran's room, which is full of books and has a leaky roof.
"It is a low-budget film and will be wrapped up in 15 days," says Ranjith, after okaying the scene, which showed Sivadasan asking Balachandran about the progress of the book.
The next scene also features Sivadasan, along with Jaffer Singh, a familiar face on comedy shows on television. Jaffer, who plays a bellboy at the lodge, advises Sivadasan on how to make a bestseller. The idea is dismissed ruthlessly by Sivadasan, as he enters Balachandran's room.
Writer's block
Mammootty has worked round the clock for this film and that too while fasting, as it is the holy month of Ramadan. "I find my character in this film interesting," he says. He adds, "Balachandran is working as an accountant in a fertiliser shop in the city. He reads a lot and wants to write a book. He starts writing, but, then, after four chapters, he gets writer's block. Then his old flame comes back into his life and she helps him overcome his writer's block."
Khushboo plays that role. Her last film in Malayalam was `Chandrolsavam,' also directed by Ranjith.
The catalyst
If Khushboo's character, Padma, acts as an inspiration for Balachandran, it is Sivadasan who acts as the catalyst.
"Sivadasan is a dreamer and I have come across people like him in cinema. He is sincere and loves good books. After getting a glimpse of Balachandran's book, he is convinced that the book is special. He feels that society needs such a book and he tries hard to get Balachandran to complete the book, even as he searches for someone who will help him organise the funds to publish the book. While doing this role, I was reminded of someone I knew back home in Kollam. There was this man known as Manjusha Vidyadharan. He used to bring out a magazine and publish books. But he died a tragic death, at a poor home. It was after his death that people realised he was a reputed publisher."
The film also stars Nedumudi Venu, Mamukkoya, Anoop Menon, Neena Kurup, Kozhikode Narayanan Nair, Nilambur Aisha and a newcomer Lakshmi. It is written and produced by Ranjith. Cinematography is by Manoj Pillai, editing by Bina Paul, art direction by Sabu Ram and stills by Sunil Guruvayoor.
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