Marked as India's first AI-themed film on the official AI portal of the Government of India, 'Monica: Oru AI Story' is hitting theaters on May 31. This film is completely different from the thematic framework seen so far.
This film will prompt the audience to think about how humans and AI will interact in the coming days, says Mansoor Pallur, who collaborated with Producer-director E.M. Ashraf in writing the script.
Human emotions and artificial intelligence
Mansoor Pallur: Director E.M. Ashraf had earlier done a movie in Kannada called 'Balavada Jadugara' (Wizard of Bala Vanam). It was a movie based on the life of Jnanpeeth winner Sivarama Karanth. The first plan was to make a movie in Malayalam with Vaikom Muhammad Basheer in the lead role.
Later, it was my son Manas, who was studying in Plus Two, who inspired both of us to switch to artificial intelligence. Two years ago, he asked me to make a film on AI. Teenage children are showing more interest in technical subjects in this period. That is how the subject is discussed with the director and involved in script writing.
When reunited after 'Uru'
E.M. Ashraf: We envisioned a film that would appeal to children, parents, teachers, and people from all walks of life. As a director, I believe in that.
This film deals with the problems that arise when the childhood anxieties of abandonment are not understood. Many recent movies have presented things in a way that promotes evil. Apart from filling the pockets of the producer and director, such films should be thought of as to what good they do for society. That is where this film stands out.
Shooting and the crew
Mansoor Pallur: This film is a good teamwork. Cameraman Sajeesh Raj and editing done by Hari G. Nair, VFX Vijesh and other technicians have also done a great job. Gopinath Muthukad and Sripad of Malikappuram fame played the lead roles in the film.
Aparna Mulberry, a Malayalam-speaking Englishwoman, plays the AI character Monica. Sini Abraham, Manikandan, Kannur Srilatha, Ajay Kallai, Anil Baby, Albert Alex, Subha Kanhangad, P.K. Abdullah, Prasannan Pillai, Vishwanath, Ananda Jyoti, Shijith Manawalan, Hari Kanhangad, Vinju Vishwanath, Preeti Kikkan, Ann Miradev and Hanim Allen are the other actors.
Touch of lyrics
Mansoor Pallur: In the movie 'Kuttikuppayam', the song 'Orukotta Ponundallo Minnundallo' written by P. Bhaskaran Master is loved by everyone. The director forced me to write a song to its tune. And with the encouragement of music director Yunusio, the song was ready. The song starts with 'Adiyum Patiyum' and the lyrics are written with a combination of rap and folk songs.
Acting touch
E.M. Ashraf: I see Mansoor Pallur not only as a producer. He is an artist. He watches a lot of movies. He gets a home theater wherever you go. During his studies, he played many roles in school plays. Mansoor plays the role of the headmaster Sudhakaran Master in this movie. He has a bright future as an actor.
The audience is sure to welcome this movie with open arms. This is a film that looks ahead to the future generation and gives them direction, a film that can be watched without getting bored at all.