Poster of the movie and director Jibu JacobTucked away in the countryside, vineyards have a hypnotic romanticism attached to them.
Filmmaker Jibu Jacob believes that the vines bud for those who are romantic at heart. Movie buffs awaiting his second outing, Muthirivallikal Thalirkumbol have in their minds the laugh riot Jacob's Vellimoonga had created. Adding to the excitement is that Mohanlal—eyeing a hat-trick of hits after Oppam and Pulimurugan—is in the lead. M. Sindhuraj has scripted the movie, based on a short story, 'Pranayopanishad', by V. J. James.
Excerpts from an interview with Jibu Jacob:
Family entertainer
If Vellimoonga dealt with the behind-the-scenes deft moves in politics, Munthirivallikal… is completely a family entertainer.
Last to join
Sindhuraj suggested making a movie to producer Sophia Paul after reading Pranayopanishad. I entered the scene later.
Ulahannan and Annieamma
The movie narrates the tale of a panchayat secretary Ulahannan and his wife Annieamma. The tale unfurls in a housing colony and the panchayat office. Several residents of the colony, too, are characterized in the movie.
While Mohanlal portrays Ulahannan, Meena dons the role of Annieamma. Anoop Menon, Alencier, Sudheer Karamana, Bindu Panikker, Suraj and Shajon have major roles in the movie. Incidentally, Bindu Panikker will be doing a comedy character after a long time. Sneha Saxena of Kasaba fame is also portraying a character.
Annieamma
The Malayali audience has accepted the combination of Mohanlal and Meena. Initially we considered casting someone else instead of Meena, she was paired with Mohanlal in Drishyam. But, later, we decided to rope her into the project, and she did justice to the character, Annieamma. Aima Sebastian, who had earlier acted in Jacobinte Swargarajyam, plays the role of a Plus-Two student, Mohanlal and Meena’s daughter in the movie. Sanoop Santosh acts as their son.
Mohanlal
Mohanlal’s Ulahannan is one among us, going through ordinary life situations. The character suits the actor’s age as well. Bijibal M. and Jayachandran have scored the music for the movie’s four songs.
Camera, action
I am basically a cinematographer, and am still willing to wield the camera. I was to be behind the camera for Biju Arookutty’s Georgeettan’s Pooram, but couldn’t join the project since the shooting began early. Coming to directing, I have discussed two-three projects. I am waiting for good scripts now.
