Palakkad: Seasoned actors Vinayakan and Suraj Venjaramoodu have joined hands for a movie called 'Thekku Vadakku' for the first time. The movie is Vinayakan's immediate project following his role in Rajinikanth's "Jailer." The puja ceremony for the film is being held in Sri Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple, Puthur, in Palakkad.
The movie is scripted by S. Hareesh, who previously worked on the Mammootty-starrer Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, and directed by Prem Shankar, a renowned figure in the advertising industry. The adaption of the film is from S. Hareesh's story titled Ratri Kaval. Anjana Talkies owned by Anjana Philip, known for co-producing blockbuster films like Minnal Murali and RDX, has collaborated with film-advertising director and brand strategist VA Shrikumar's VARS Studios for the production of Thekku Vadakku. The music for the film is composed by Sam CS, renowned for his work in acclaimed films such as Vikram Vedha, Kaithi, Odiyan, and RDX.
Suraj Venjaramoodu, known for his National Award-winning role in Perariyathavar and Vinayakan, acclaimed for his State Award-winning performance in Kammatti Paadam have garnered immense appreciation from audiences for their distinctive roles. While their collaboration in a new film is highly anticipated, the makers have kept the story of the film under wraps.
S. Hareesh, a prominent figure in neo-Malayalam literature, has previously penned scripts for acclaimed films like Aedan, Jallikattu, Churuli, and Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. The director of the film, Prem Shankar, was previously acknowledged for his debut film, Randuper, which featured in the IFFK Competition in 2017. His professional background spans as a creative director in advertising agencies such as Ogilvy, Grey, Fisheye, McCann, and Push 360. Moreover, he has directed commercials for renowned brands like Britannia, ITC, TVS, Levi's, and Wrangler.
Suresh Rajan, renowned for his cinematography in films such as Kuttavum Shikshayum, Valiyaperunnal, Kismath, and Vela along with Kiran Das as the editor, known for his work in films like Romancham and Rorschach are also part of the cast. Other key members of the crew include Production Designer Sabu Ram, Lyricist Lakshmi Shrikumar, Action Director Prabhu Master, Makeup Artist Amal Chandra, Costume Designer Aisha Safeer, Dance Choreographer Dinesh Master, Casting Director Abu Valayamkulam, Production Controller Saji Joseph, Chief Associate Director Boss V, and Design by Push 360.
"Thekku Vadakku is the first film announced under the series, "Story that Matters" by The Anjana-VARS Joint Production Company. This series aims to adapt literature and significant events into cinematic narratives, with plans for five films in total. The plot of the inaugural film revolves around the unconventional relationship between two individuals," – stated producer Anjana Philip.
"Bringing together two exceptional talents from the realms of Malayalam cinema, Vinayakan and Suraj Venjaramoodu, in this exciting endeavor 'Thekku Vadakku.' Their collaboration marks a first on the big screen. Set amidst the backdrop of humour, their characters promise to offer an enriching experience for the audience," stated producer VA Shrikumar.
Additionally, Santhosh Kottayi, a Malayali entrepreneur based in Australia, serves as a production partner for the film.
MP V.K. Sreekandan, Palakkad Muncipality Chairperson Prameela Sasidharan, Actor Vinayakan, Thantri Andaladi Parameswaran Namboodiripad, Central Zone Prisons DIG P. Ajayakumar, Varghese Alukka, John Alukka, Director Zakariya, Director Sajin Baabu, Prem Shankar, S. Hareesh, Suresh Nilamel, Sreekanth Vettiyar, Joseph Mercelys, VA Shrikumar, V.M Radhakrishnan, Nidhin Kanichery, Anjana Philip, Philip Zacharia, Scriptwriter Rajesh Gopinathan attended the movie's pooja ceremony. The film is scheduled to be shot in Palakkad in March.