When an unforeseen incident occurs in the household of George Kutty, a cable operator, it tests of a family’s love for one another and of their fortitude in life’s tough moments.
This forms the crux of Malayalam director Jeethu Joseph’s new film, Drishyam, featuring Mohanlal and Meena.
George Kutty’s life is complete with wife Rani and two school-age daughters, Anju and Anu.
“But this happy household is turned upside down with the arrival of Varun, a teenager, which subsequently leads to a mishap,” says Joseph.
“The trying period that follows and the togetherness of the family members who are put through an ordeal is the rest of the story.”
Meena is making a comeback to the Malayalam screen after six years.
“Actually I had written this script for another director but he could not find a producer, so I took back the script and decided to direct it myself. It has paid off,” said Joseph, who hails from an agricultural family and is not a trained filmmaker.
“I did assist director Jayaraj on one film though,” added Joseph, who prefers to be known as a storyteller rather than as a writer and a director.
His debut film, Detective, was a Suresh Gopi thriller; most recently he made the Prithviraj hit Memories.
Mohanlal plays kutty and Meena plays his onscreen wife, Rani. Child actors Ansiba and Esther play Anju and Anu.
Praising Mohanlal’s performance, Joseph said: “Lalettan became George Kutty on the sets. He is just amazing.”
Produced by Antony Perumbavoor, Drishyam is supported by Siddique, Kalabhavan Shajon and Asha Shareth. Cinematography is by Sujith Vassudev. Anil Johnson and Vinu Thomas have scored the music. The film was shot in Thodupuzha.
Since its release on December 20 in Kerala, Joseph’s phone has not stopped ringing. Now we hear that talks are being held for its Tamil remake.
