Ex-serviceman-turned-teacher Vishnu Beena marks his IFFK debut with ‘Chavukalyanam’

Chavukalyanam, directed by Vishnu B Beena, marks the first International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) outing for most of its makers, with the team calling the selection a moment of pride. The film explores the idea of a “celebration of death”, drawing from a cultural practice in parts of Kerala in which the death of an elderly person who has lived a full life is referred to as chavu kalyanam. “It is not a farewell marked only by grief, but one shaped by acceptance and even happiness,” Vishnu said.

Set largely within a single household, the narrative unfolds around a day when a death and a wedding take place under the same roof. Vishnu said the confined setting was a conscious creative choice. “We wanted to tell a strong story on a limited scale. Many experiences we had witnessed in bereaved houses became the starting point for this film,” he said.

Vishnu said his interest in cinema began in childhood, but his early career took a different turn. He served in the Indian Army for nearly five years and was posted in Bengaluru, Rajasthan, Punjab and other parts of the country. “I joined the Army with cinema in mind, but I later realised that continuing there would not allow me to pursue films,” he said. He took a local discharge and returned to Kerala.

Vishnu then studied visual communication in Chalakudy. He now works as a school teacher at Mayanad, Kozhikode, balancing his teaching career with filmmaking. “Cinema remains my ambition. Direction is what I want to pursue,” he said.

Produced on a low budget under the banner Family Movie Productions, Chavukalyanam was shot entirely in Kozhikode with a largely first-time cast and crew from the region. Most actors were selected through auditions followed by a week-long workshop.

Financial limitations were the biggest challenge, Vishnu said. “The film was made with support from family and friends, along with a small personal loan. We shot in small schedules, depending on when funds were available. In total, the shoot lasted 25 days.”

Actor Nitheesh Bhaskar described IFFK as a crucial platform for newcomers. “For actors like us, contacting filmmakers or producers is difficult. A festival like IFFK gives visibility and confidence. Having my second film screened here is a huge honour,” he said.

Actor Kavitha, who works as a medical representative, said she took leave to attend the first screening. “After seeing the audience response, I decided to watch all the screenings,” she said, adding that the shoot felt like “living as a family rather than acting in a film”.

For the makers, Chavukalyanam being screened at IFFK stands as validation for the independent film shaped by perseverance, discipline and collaboration.