Living on the edge
VIJAY GEORGE
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M. Padmakumar and T.A.Razack, director and scenarist of ‘Parunthu,’ explain why the film about a moneylender is relevant.
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Three musketeers: T.A.Razack, left, Mammootty and M. Padmakumar on the sets of ‘Parunthu.’
“Of course, he is a ruthless money lender and brutal in his dealings. But instead of highlighting the negative elements in his character, I would say he is a realistic and practical man. He has his own justification for his actions. Later, he realises that there is more to life than money,” says director M. Padmakumar about the lead character in his forthcoming film ‘Parunthu,’ played by Mammootty.
T.A.Razack, scenarist of ‘Parunthu’, was writing a script with a character called ‘Theeppetti Chandran’ in the lead when it had to be postponed.
“It was a story about an autorickshaw driver. However, we decided to consider the theme later as ‘Kangaroo’ was announced with an auto-driver as the hero. The story of the moneylender, whose business is popularly referred to as ‘blade,’ came next.
“Although not many are aware of the alarming extent to which the business has grown, it is a fact that this kind of money lending has even led to the framing of new economic principles. Families have been ruined and relationships irreparably damaged by this business,” says Razack.
The scenarist’s main character in ‘Parunthu’ is a ruthless moneylender called Purushu who will stop at nothing to get his money back from loan defaulters. Purushu’s nickname is ‘Parunthu.’
Malabar-based scripts
Razack says he is in love with the culture of Malabar and it is evident in his stories. “I feel comfortable writing about the people who live in Malabar. I had to shoulder many responsibilities at a young age and had to deal with moneylenders myself. Usually, we approach a moneylender as a last resort. Purushu often cautions those who approach him about the consequences. The moneylender is always blamed, even when those who owe him money fails to repay their debts in time. ‘Parunthu’ is relevant in these days when consumerism reigns supreme; people spend beyond their earnings and finally, land in deep trouble.”
Padmakumar continues: “The story takes place in and around Kozhikode, where there are several local money lenders who charge high rates of interest. For instance, like certain private banks, these moneylenders too whisk away vehicles, when the owners fail to pay back the loans on time.” Padmakumar’s earlier films include ‘Ammakkilikkoodu’, ‘Vargam’ and ‘Vasthavam.’
He thinks that Mammootty has given a new look to the role; one that is very different from his usual screen characters.
Dismissing rumours that there is a resemblance between the Mohanlal-starrer ‘Madambi’ and ‘Parunthu,’ Padmakumar says: “We have clarified this with the makers of ‘Madambi.’ The two characters bear no resemblance whatsoever.”
Lakshmi Rai plays the female lead in the film. Her character, Rakhi, is the daughter of a Gujarati businessman (Jagathy Sreekumar). The cast includes Jayasurya, Cochin Haneefa and Jayan. ‘Parunthu’ is being produced by Howly Pottore under the banner of Dream Team Productions.
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