Mission cinema
G. JAYAKUMAR
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Major Ravi talks about the real-life experience that inspired him to make his second film ‘Mission 90 Days.’
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‘Keerthichakra’ was based on several experiences I had with the Army in Kashmir.
Photo: S. Gopakumar
Calling the shots: Major Ravi made a splash with his first film ‘Keerthichakra.’
“We wanted to capture Sivarasan alive. And we would have done it but for certain circumstances…,” says Major Ravi, who shot into the limelight with ‘Keerthichakra,’ his first directorial venture. Ravi was
talking about the real-life experience that inspired the making of his second film ‘Mission 90 Days,’ starring Mammotty in the lead role. The film narrates the story of the hunt for the assassins of the former Prime Minster Rajiv Gandhi. Produced by Sasi Ayyanchira under the banner of Sri Uththrittathi Films, ‘Mission 90 Days’ unfolds the trials and tribulations of Major Sivaram, who is in charge of the investigation of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Mammootty dons the role of Major Sivaram.
Hunt for the accused
“Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991. From the National Security Guards (NSG), I joined the CBI on the mission to unearth the conspirators. After 88 days, on August 18, we cornered Sivarasan, one of the main accused in the case, in a house in Bangalore.”
“ I felt disappointed at not being able to capture Sivarasan alive. That’s the frustration a junior officer has to deal with. If you take up the matter, you are snubbed by your superiors and also be accused of insubordination. This is what I am trying to show through this film – something the public does not know.”
The cast includes Cochin Haneefa, Innocent, Mammootty, Lalu Alex, Kalabhavan Mani, Saikumar, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. Vayalar Sarathchandra Varma’s lyrics have been set to music by Jaison Nair. The film is likely to be released during Onam.
“I haven’t added any elements from imagination. The film shows a kind of friendship between an LTTE man and the hero. I shared a similar relationship with an LTTE activist during my IPKF stint. And he was one of those whom we were hunting for in Bangalore. So, I have kept close to reality.” Not a difficult task for a director who also writes his own script. In fact, Ravi won the State Award for the best scriptwriter for his film ‘Keerthichakra.’
“I like to write my own scripts. ‘Keerthichakra’ was based on several experiences I had with the Army in Kashmir.” The former army officer who began his his career in films as assistant to Priyadarsan has come a long way since.
“It was Santosh Sivan who introduced me to Priyadarsan. From Priyadarsan, I learnt the art of directing a movie. I have also acted in some of his films.”
Turning point
The turning point was his meeting with Mohanlal. It was in Port Blair where Mohanlal was working for the film ‘Kala Pani.’
“That day Mohanlal and I talked continuously for almost eight hours. He wanted to know about our army operations. And our friendship grew and culminated in the film ‘Keerthichakra.’”
About the choice of Mammootty for the lead role, Ravi says: “I wanted to have Mohanlal as I have a good rapport with him. But he was not available for the next six months. Then I decided to opt for Mammooty. I discussed this with Mohanlal and he asked me to go ahead.”
Having worked with both Mohanlal and Mammootty, how does he rate them ?
“Mohanlal is very flexible and always takes the initiative. As for Mammooty, he aims at perfection.”
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