In ‘Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum’ I play an Alappuzha native. After the movie hit the screen, many people from Alappuzha call me up to say that my portrayal of the character was natural. My character Prasad, like many in the rural villages of Alappuzha, is an ordinary farmer.
It was not my first visit to Alappuzha. I have stayed in various parts of the district on location. And I am very familiar with the surroundings.
Alappuzha is special
My special bond with Alappuzha started even before my entry into movies. Whenever I travel through the highway I stop at Alappuzha mainly for two reasons. One obviously is the extremely beautiful landscape that unfolds and another, the super soft dosas that you get at the ‘thattukada.' I have traveled all the way to Alappuzha with my family just to try these tasty dosas.
Every time I am in Alappuzha for a shoot, it has always revealed its varied and distinct face. The innocence of the rural life here is truly incredible. I was able to stay in the interior villages of Alappuzha when I shot for ‘Pullipuliyum Aattin Kuttiyum’ and ‘Venicile Vyapari.'
At the location, even if I don’t have a shot that day, I would travel to the set to throw a line and catch fish. We would then make the famous fish curry of Alappuzha. I know the ingredients of 'Alleppey' special fish curry and have made it at many movie sets.
Exploring Alappuzha
During the filming of ‘Pullipulikalum Aatinkuttiyum,’ I traveled a lot around Alappuzha with the film’s script writer M. Sinduraj. He is a native of Alappuzha and knows the ways, legends, and songs of this place. Those trips are my fondest memories of Alappuzha.
Though I have a close relationship with Alappuzha, there is something that I have missed so far; it is my dream to watch the epic Nehru Trophy Boat Race. I really hope to watch it this year.
(The author is a popular Malayalam actor)
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