Poignant story
VIJAY GEORGE
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Sundar Das' `Akasham' is about the travails of a mechanic who is unwittingly pulled into a series of unfortunate incidents.
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ROLE PLAY: Ace comedian Harisree Ashokan plays the hero in `Akasham.'
He hardly looks like a hero in his garb of a mechanic. Bereft of bombastic dialogues, macho stunts or flashy designer outfits, director Sundar Das' `Akasham' is not a run-of-the-mill film that focusses on the doings of larger-than-life heroes.
Instead, his film zooms into the life of Manoharan, a mechanic, who leads a quiet life. Harisree Ashokan finds some respite from his usual comic act and dons the role of Manoharan, the chief mechanic in a car service station.
Dozens of cars in different colours, shapes and models have been parked neatly inside the MGF Hyundai showroom at Padivattom in Kochi, the location for the day. The scene has Anil Murali engaged in a heated discussion with Innocent and Harisree Ashokan. Cinematographer Sadath tries to find the angle to get all the three actors in a single frame.
As he waits for the shoot to begin, Sundar Das, whose earlier films include `Sallapam,' `Kudamattam' and `Pauran' among others, narrates how the project happened.
Fine actor too
Says Sundar Dass: "Scenarist T.A. Razack had mentioned the storyline more than a year ago. It is about a simple man whose life takes an unusual turn after he unknowingly becomes a part of certain unfortunate happenings. Although Harisree Ashokan is more known for his hilarious roles, we know that he is a fine actor who can handle any role.
"The title of the film denotes the sky which can even hide the sun, change colours and look unending, perhaps like the human mind. The film is essentially a family entertainer that has a message against certain social evils."
Harisree Ashokan opted out of a few big projects during recent times, "to focus on the role, as I wanted the mannerisms, expressions and dialogue delivery to be different from my usual pattern. My character, Manoharan, has set no big goals in his life. His world revolves around his mother, wife and two daughters."
Jyothirmayee, who plays Manoharan's wife, Bhanu, in the film, says that her character is that of a " housewife who is happy taking care of her family."
After some time, the shoot shifts to the entrance of the service station where Sai Kumar is in conversation with Innocent. Sai Kumar, who is Dy SP Reghunandanan in the film, has dropped in for certain clarifications on a case. There he meets Varghese Abraham (Innocent), the manager of the car showroom. The two rehearse their dialogues with the enthusiasm of newcomers.
"My character is a mild-mannered police officer, the kind we would wish to find more in the department. He shuns aggression, stands against corruption and believes in family values," says Sai Kumar, as he turns to Innocent who cracks some joke that has the whole unit in splits.
Dressed for the role
"I feel suffocated wearing this and really wonder how people can keep their cool in such a dress," wonders Innocent who is dressed in a full-sleeved shirt, shoes and a tie.
Innocent plays a divorcee who is close to Manoharan. The cast includes KPAC Lalitha, who plays Manoharan's mother, Mamukkoya, his friend, Anil Murali, his colleague, and Bindu Panicker, a relative. `Akasham,' produced by Creative Team, has two songs in the film penned by Rajeev Alumkal and set to tune by Mohan Sithara. The stills photographer is Soorya Peter. The film will reach cinemas in May.
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