While working in a corporate company after completing his B.Tech and M.Tech degrees, Rahul Riji Nair didn't have a passion for cinema. But in 2012, he accidently came to know about the plight of refugees who crossed over to India from Pakistan. He took pains to learn more about the issue. This ultimately led him to direct the documentary 'Human Boundaries'. The documentary was exhibited in the US and the UK and was well-appreciated. At this point of time, Rahul realised that cinema was his way forward.
The first movie directed by Rahul 'Ottamuri Velicham' received four State film awards, including the best feature film recognition. His another movie 'Kalla Nottam' brought home the national award for the best Malayalam feature film in 2019. Rahul now shares with 'Manorama' his experiences in the making of the new movie 'Keedam'.
What do you basically convey through 'Keedam'?
This is a thriller movie. Secrecy is a thing which is fast fading away in society now. When people come across reports about data theft in the media, many think about what a person can do with the data of another. But this cinema tries to convince them that amassing your data alone would enable another person to take your total control. Cyber stalking is the theme of the movie. The idea is that "keedams" are not visible to your eyes, but it can cause you a lot of harm.
Can you share your experience while teaming up with actor Sreenivasan?
On many days, he came to the set at night after going to hospital during day time. Such was his commitment for acting that even during 1 am, he used to come to the set with full make-up. In the interval time, he used to share with us stories behind old movies. For a person like me who did not formally study film-making, it was like reaching a film school. First, I first told the movie's story to the heroine Rajisha Vijayan. After doing the film "Kho-Kho" with her, I wanted to do another film with her.
What do you aim for through your films?
Cinema has always been in the forefront of bringing social revolution. But there is no point in doing a film if the sole idea is to convey a message. For that you can try other less expensive methods. I started writing the story for "Ottamuri Velicham" from the thought that many times light plays a villain. But finally, I ended up with writing about the theme of marital rape by husband.
