Veteran film maker Fazil is all praise for his son Fahadh Fazil and thinks the actor would shatter the stereotypical images in Malayalam cinema. He said that Fahadh succeeded in presenting unique roles to the Malayali audience who were bored of watching stereotyped ideals of the male heroes. In a candid interview to Manorama Online, Fazil opened up about the movie Malayakunjan that he would be producing, with Fahadh in the lead role.
Malayankunjan
“Fahadh and Mahesh Narayanan had approached me with the story. I read the story and really liked it. I agreed to bankroll the movie which is directed by new comer Sajimon Prabakar. He had worked as an associate director in some of Fahadh’s movies. They share a very good rapport,” says Fazil.
Audition for Fahadh
Fazil admits he has been wishing to do a movie with Fahadh for a long time. It was then that the film maker was approached with the story of Malayankunju. “The first movie in which Fahadh acted wasn’t successful. I believe it was the fate of that movie. Before Kaiyethum Doorathu I had made an interview video of Fahadh’s in which I made him say a few things and perform as well. I had showed that video to Mammootty and Mohanlal and they gave great opinions. It was only after that Fahadh was cast in the movie,” revealed Fazil.
Came, saw and conquered
Fazil says that he had always noticed a unique spark of an amazing actor in Fahadh. He doesn’t think Fahadh was responsible for the failure of the latter’s debut movie. “His mind was full of cinema even when he went to the US for his studies. I knew that he would return to Malayalam cinema. Years ago, I was asked about Fahadh’s future in the program Nere Chovve on Manorama News. I told the anchor that Fahadh would definitely come back to the movies.
What I had told then had happened now. He came, saw and conquered the hearts of the audience,” smiles Fazil.
Breaking stereotypes
The film maker says he is impressed by Fahadh’s ability to shatter the stereotypical images of the male hero in Malayalam cinema. He lauds Fahadh’s dedication to the art when he played the role of Shammi in Kumbalangi Nights while being one of the busiest lead actors. “It indeed is challenging for an actor to do roles that are far from the so called ‘chocolate’ or typical heroes. Fahadh finds joy in doing such unique roles,” explains Fazil.
Back to the movies
“He is treading his own path. I think it ought to be like that; or else all the characters would look the same. Malayalam cinema flourishes when each actor tries to do interesting roles in their own unique patterns. I am happy that he is proving himself by finding his own way,” says the film maker.
The screenplay of Malayankunju is written by Mahesh Narayanan. Fazil is an admirer of Mahesh’s acclaimed movies Take Off and C U Soon. “C U Soon was an amazing movie. I am fortunate to be able to associate with them. After this movie, I wish to become active in cinema by producing more films,” notes Fazil.
Fazil admits he would love to return to directing films and that he is eagerly waiting for a story that suits the times. Fahadh is currently acting in Dileesh Pothen’s Joji. Fazil said that the actor would join the sets of Malayankunju as soon as he wraps up Joji. The makers plan to roll the movie in February next year. However, Fazil said that he isn’t sure whether it would be further postponed due to the pandemic situation.
