Terminal choices
G. JAYAKUMAR
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‘Ekadesi,’ directed by Ashok R. Nath, ruminates on the state of mind of a youngster who is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
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A life shattered: Suresh Gopi, Murali and Manoj K. Jayan star in ‘Ekadesi.’
“The highlight of the film is the character of Nanda Kishore played by Suresh Gopi. In this role, Suresh Gopi has fulfilled all my expectations,” avers film director Ashok R.Nath.
We are on the premises of a large hospital at Kuzhithurai in Tamil Nadu, just across the border from Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. This is the location of Ashok’s latest film, ‘Ekadesi.’
Love’s true worth
Says screenplay writer Anil Mukhathala: “Nanda Kishore was leading an adventurous life as a war reporter in Kolkota. His happy-go-lucky life is shattered by a terminal illness. He returns to his family and learns the true worth of love. Unable to bear the pain of his illness, Nanda Kishore pleads for relief through death. In this way, the film also discusses the issue of euthanasia or mercy killing. The film is based on a story by Sunil Prem.”
Meanwhile, the set is ready for the next shot and Ashok goes into action. Cameraman Ramachandra Babu is all attention. The scene shows a consulting room of the chief physician of the hospital (played by Lalu Alex). Nanda Kishore’s ‘valiachan’ (father’s elder brother, played by Murali) and close friend (Manoj K.Jayan) sit facing the doctor. The doctor looks through the case files and explains the hopelessness of Nanda Kishore’s condition to the duo. The camera then zooms to catch the reaction on the faces of the duo. “Cut” says the director and calls another retake. The action is repeated.
Watching the scene on the monitor, the director gives a satisfied smile. “Perfect,” he comments. During the shoot, the spontaneity and subtlety of Murali’s expressions impress all the onlookers.
Effortless acting
“It is easy to work with actors like Murali because they can bring a character to life even without the director’s help,” says Ashok.
Meera Nandan and Jyothirmayi play the female lead roles. While Jyothirmayi enacts Nanda Kishore’s wife, Meera dons the role of his sister. “My role is that of a charming and smart girl who is attached to her brother. It is a story of ordinary people going through complicated situations,” explains the young television anchor-turned-actor.
Anoop Menon has an important role in the film. So does Kochu Preman, the diminutive but talented actor. In Ashok’s ‘Mizhikal Sakshi,’ his performance as a philosophic ‘chollukaran’ was widely appreciated. A known comedian, Kochu Preman had this to say on his foray into serious roles: “Playing meaningful characters with subtlety is a welcome change for me. In comic roles one can be flippant with the dialogue but in serious roles the language is more formal.” One of the highlights of ‘Ekadesi’ is a philosophical poem penned by O.N.V. Kurup and recited by poet Madhusoodanan Nair. The other songs of O.N.V. have been sung by K.J.Yesudas, P.Jayachandran, K.S.Chitra and Aparna Rajeev. Music composer is Anil Pongumoodu. Still photographer is Santhosh Adoor. ‘Ekadesi’ is produced by Sandeep Nair for Nambikkal Cinemas. ‘Ekadesi’ is slated for release during Onam.
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