He is one director who strikes the right balance between making commercial films and art films.
Six time National Award-winner Jayaraj is ready with his next project — the big budget Veeram, filmed in three languages.
Jayaraj has adapted Shakespeare’s Macbeth to narrate the story of Chandu, the anti-hero of Vadakkanpaattu, in this drama set in the 13th century in Kerala. Chandu was last played onscreen by Mammootty in the 1989 film, Oru Vadakkan Veerakatha.
Bollywood’s Kunal Kapoor marks his southern debut with the lead role.
Kapoor trained in kalarippayattu, a martial art, and sword fighting for five months prior to the filming of Veeram. He also put on 12kg for the role.
Veeram also has a an international crew member — Kapoor’s make-up was done by Hollywood’s Trefor Proud, known for his work in Gladiator, Star Wars and Topsy Turvy.
In a statement, Kapoor said that the biggest challenge was filming in Hindi, English, and Malayalam simultaneously.
“Malayalam was tough and minor nuances in the performance would change depending on the language,” he added.
Veeram, produced by Chandramohan Pillai, has been selected for screening at the 47th International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa this year. The supporting cast includes Divinaa Thackur, Himarsha Venkatasamy, Sreeraj, Shivajith Nambiar and Aahran Chaudhary.
