For ace comedian Harishree Asokan, it is time to say action

Malayalam actor Harisree Asokan is all set to make a movie, nine years after he had first eyed the directorial hat. 

Comedy entertainer 'An International Local Story' will be the first directorial venture of the 54-year-old mimicry artiste-turned-actor.

The inaugural puja for the film will be held on September 3 at the Ernakulam Town Hall. In a career spanning three years, Asokan has some of the finest comedy performances in Malayalam cinema to his credit.

It was a passion that arrested my imagination in 2009 that is being fulfilled, said Asokan. 

“But then to make a film you need a suitable story and background. I was waiting for things to fall in place and finally the dream is coming true.”

Asokan says his friends and well-wishers have been a steady source of encouragement and has chipped in with all possible help in his new venture. 

“Close pals are giving me great advice. Also, I sought tips from (directors) Siddique and Lal,” he revealed. “I keep interacting with them to ensure my evolution from an actor to a director. The transformation, anyway, has happened”, he said. 

The lead actors in An International Local Story will be Rahul Madhav, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Manoj K Jayan and Surabhi Santosh. The movie, produced by M Shijith and Shahir Shan, will be made under the banner of S Square Cinemas.

Mollywood has of late seen a spurt in actors turning into direction: Dileesh Pothan, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Joy Mathew, Babu Raj, Sidharth Siva, Nadirshah, Vineeth Kumar, Salim Kumar and Ramesh Pisharody among others.