60% done and growing bigger: Mahesh Narayanan reveals new update on Mammootty-Mohanlal film

Mahesh Narayanan is a filmmaker who made a ‘jump cut’ into Mollywood with a narrative style and presentation that was unfamiliar to Malayali audiences. Starting his film career as an editor, Mahesh quickly made his mark as a writer and director with acclaimed films such as ‘Take Off’ and ‘Ariyippu.’ Now, while directing his latest multi-starrer, he has also stepped into the role of producer for the film ‘Thalavara.’ Starring Arjun Ashokan and Revathy Sharma, and directed by Akhil Anilkumar, the film signifies a new chapter in Mahesh’s career. In this interview, he discusses ‘Thalavara,’ its upcoming release, and his much-anticipated directorial venture.

How did you take up ‘Thalavara’?
Shabin Becker, one of the producers, is a close friend. We have worked together since ‘Take Off’ and also co-produced the movie ‘Ariyippu.’ ‘Thalavara’ came to me through him. The theme of the film itself intrigued me. I decided to be part of the project once I was convinced it was a subject worth making and discussing.

Your films usually tackle serious themes. Can we expect the same in Thalavara?
This film fully belongs to Akhil. Watching his earlier work, both feature and short films, will give you a clear idea of his storytelling style. ‘Thalavara’ too unfolds in a simple yet engaging manner. Our focus was on ensuring the film shaped up exactly as Akhil envisioned. Entertaining the audience is every creator’s goal, but entertainment can be defined in many ways. I firmly believe that anything that keeps the audience engaged qualifies as entertainment. Serious films can entertain too, and that is my conviction and approach.

Even good films sometimes fail to draw audiences to theatres, finding success only on OTT?
I believe that if a story and its narration are strong, audiences will come to theatres. Big budgets or superstars aren’t mandatory. The number of films released each year has increased sharply. When I began editing in 2005, fewer than 100 films were released annually in theatres. Now, that number exceeds 200 year on year. But the number of theatres hasn’t grown proportionately. That’s one reason even good films are pulled from theatres quickly.  In such situations, OTT is the only alternative.

What’s your take on the controversies over the National Awards?
My films ‘Take Off’ and ‘Malik’ were considered for the National Awards in one way or another. However, ‘Ariyippu,’ which was recognised at international film festivals, was ousted in the very first round. As for the criteria, I honestly don’t know. A small jury decides the awards, and their personal outlook and the impact a film has on them inevitably influence the results.

You’re working on the biopic of Formula One racer Narain Karthikeyan.
The film has been in pre-production for the past year and a half. A studio group approached me after acquiring the rights from Narain. The writing is still in progress. I’ll share more details later.

And the much-anticipated Mahesh- Mammootty–Mohanlal film?
About 60% of the shoot is complete, and I hope to wrap up filming by October. I didn’t start this project expecting it to be a massive film, but it has grown bigger with time. That’s the fate of some movies. My goal is to make a mainstream film that is meant to be enjoyed on the big screen, though it will still have my trademark style.