Leela was accepted widely by the readers when Unni R published it as a short story in a leading Malayalam weekly a few years ago. And all those who read it raised their eyebrows when director Renjith announced that he was going to make a film out of the literary work.
The lovers of literature wondered how the story, which has strange characters and an unusual climax, could be translated into film. Now the wait is about to be over with Renjith hoping to release it next month.
And to those who are waiting to see Biju Menon in the avatar of Kuttiyappan, the lead character, the writer has a word: "Intellectuals, pardon me. It's not an art film."
"There is Kuttiyappan in very Keralite man. This will will be an excavation of it," Unni said.
He said it is a deconstruction of the short story. "I have added several elements to the script which are not there in the story. More than an entertainer, this film will amuse the audience," he said.
Though Kuttiyappan does everything seriously, it appears funny to those around. And it's the major attraction of the film," Unni added.
Unni has one thing to promise: For both those who have read the story and those who haven't, the film will be a fresh experience. It will be another masterpiece from Renjith who has gifted us a number of good films.