Recently released movie 'Varathan', starring Fahadh Faasil and Aiswarya Lekshmi in the lead roles is running into packed theatres, garnering positive reviews from the audience and the critics alike. Director Amal Neerad who is overwhelmed by the film’s incredible success, however, has great opinion about Nazriya Nazim, who co-produced the film with him. He noted that he hasn’t seen such a liberal producer like Nazriya earlier.
“She is the kind of producer who likes to pack up at 6 in the evening. She would come to me and say ‘That is enough for the day. We should pack up and go home’.
Cinematographer Littil Swayamp used to wonder what kind of a producer Nazriya is as she was so innocent and cool,” Amal stated.
Peaceful at heart
The filmmaker admitted that he feels at ease when he himself bankrolls the movies directed by him. Earlier Amal had often been criticised that he makes movies to ruin a producer. “There were allegations that I had turned a group of producers based in Dubai into beggars. I am truly scared of hearing all these. Whenever I had to can a shot using a jib (the projecting arm of a crane), I would think about the money it would cost. However, such tensions could be avoided if we produce our own movie. It is us alone who would know about the struggles then and no one else,” the filmmaker explained.
Sharafudeen on board
Meanwhile, Fahadh revealed that actor Sharaf U Dheen didn't immediately come on board for the 'Varathan' project. “Sharaf was stunned when we narrated the story to him. He wanted to do the movie; however, he wasn’t sure whether he could portray the character well. Finally, after pondering about it for 3 -4 days, Sharaf gave his nod for the character,” Fahadh revealed.
Award row
Fahadh, who won the national award for the best actor in a supporting role, opened up about the controversy related to the awards ceremony. “I had gone to receive the award from the president of India. However, when I reached there, I came to know that someone else was distributing the awards. I caught the next flight back. I don’t face any problems in the cinema industry because I reacted that way. I am okay even if I don’t get an award,” Fahadh made his stand clear.
