Prithviraj's mass action, the comeback of veteran filmmaker Shaji Kailas, Vivek Oberoi’s Malayalam movie after ‘Lucifer' and the association between Prithviraj productions and Magic frames after 'Jana Gana Mana' are the highlighting features of the upcoming movie 'Kaduva'. In an interview with Mathribhumi, Prithviraj Sukumaran who plays the lead role in the movie opened up about the film.
Prithviraj’s character in ‘Kaduva’
Kaduvakunnel Kuruvachan is the character who is a planter in Pala. A youth with plenty of money and popularity. A person who achieved more for his age as a member of a family which has a decades-long heritage. The movie is set in Pala during the 90s.
Is the movie about a real-life character?
It is rumoured that the movie is based on real-life and the character is alive. Reacting to the buzz, Prithviraj said that he has no idea about it.
“I don't know much about whether the story or character is true. The script is by Jinu Abraham, and he's from Pathanamthitta. There could be elements in the story that he had seen or heard. It's self-evident that people or places can influence writing,” he said.
Decision to join ‘Kaduva’
It was in 2019, I heard the complete script, but I've heard about the character way before. ‘Kaduva’ can be classified as a movie that will entertain the audience. While thinking about such films, movies of I.V Sasi sir, Joshiy sir, Bhadran sir and Shaji Kailas flickered on my mind. I suggested that it would be perfect if Shaji Kailas helm this film. The movie has many elements that will stand out in its directorial brilliance. I called Shaji ettan over the phone and asked him to hear the story.
Shaji Kailas’ comeback with a high-voltage movie
Interestingly, ‘Kaduva’ marks the re-entry of veteran filmmaker Shaji Kailas into the Malayalam film industry after 8 years.
I told Shai ettan, who took a break from films, that he is fully aware that he should make a comeback with a movie like ‘Kaduva’; we can do this movie. After hearing the story and script, he said, ' I want to do this, dear', said Prithviraj.
When he agreed, Listin Stephen and I took up the movie's production. The audience can enjoy the style of the making of Shaji Kailas. I was also among the audience who cheered for his films like ‘Aaram Thamburan’ and ‘Narasimham' in theatres. I believe the film industry needs directors like Shaji Kailas.
‘Kaduva’ as a mass action movie
After hearing the story of ‘Kaduva’, I thought, why aren't movies of this type not being created in Malayalam. We have followed a realistic pattern in our stories and presentations for some time. I am a person who enjoys and appreciates such movies and also dreams that mass action entertainers should also be made in Malayalam. I believe that ‘Kaduva’ will be a mass action movie that will excite and entertain the audience with its story and visual experience.
Are you saying that mass entertainers are declining in Malayalam?
I feel that some people think movies that are close to reality can only be considered good movies. Personally, I don’t think so. Realistic movies are good, but I also like to place movies like ‘K.G.F’ in the same category. ‘K.G.F Chapter 2’ and ‘Charlie 777’ are two other language movies brought into Malayalam by Prithviraj Productions. These movies are from different genres, but both films were accepted by the audience. I would say that all types of movies should be made in Kerala as well to develop the film industry.
Vivek Oberoi returns to Mollywood after ‘Lucifer’
Vivek Oberoi plays the role of a police officer named Joseph Chandy in ‘Kaduva’. Even though the movie discusses various subjects, it’s all about a fierce battle between two individuals. Both the characters have equal importance as Joseph Chandy stands strong, just like Kuruvachan. Many names came to mind as the police officer. I thought about Biju ettan (Biju Menon), but many opined that such a combination isn't needed immediately after ‘Ayyappanum Koshiyum’. Then, I didn't think much as the entire team suggested Vivek's name. I believe that his arrival has massively benefitted ‘Kaduva’.
Rumours on Mohanlal’s role in ‘Kaduva'
Prithviraj confirmed that Mohanlal is not associated with ‘Kaduva’.
“I don't know how such rumours came up, as there are no guest roles in the movie,” he said.
As an actor, producer and film enthusiast, I want to see ‘Kaduva', a massive hit. Because, if this movie becomes a hit, it will motivate the filmmakers to make more such films in Malayalam, added Prithviraj
The movie is made on a big canvas and primarily filmed in Pala, Erattupetta and Vandiperiyar regions. The movie was set in 1990, so the Kottayam district jail wanted its old look. So the setting for the district jail was created on a four-acre land in Ernakulam.
Adventurous journey for 'Aadujeevitham'
We have wrapped the shooting of ‘Aadujeevitham' scheduled in foreign countries. This time the shooting was in Algeria, and we spent around 40-45 days in the Sahara desert. We went there with proper planning, just like before. But Covid-related issues messed up the things. When the shooting was almost over, my wife and daughter also reached Algeria. Because I wished to take them to explore that land.
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