The investment climate and trade relations between UAE and India have never seen better times, says the founder of a UAE business group that recently launched a film production company in India. “What we are doing merely reflects increased collaboration between the two nations and pays rightful tribute to the vision of our leaders.”
Dubai-based Kalandoor Group launched Kalandoor Entertainments in early 2022, and already has two Malayalam feature films on the anvil.
The first, Nalla Samayam (Perfect Timing) is a Malayalam drama-thriller announced in mid-June, with filming currently underway in Guruvayoor and Thrissur. Centred around events that unfold in a single night, the film will have four fresh talents in female lead roles, along with the actor Irshad Ali as male lead. The director, Omar Lulu, best known for two of his earlier films, Oru Adaar Love and Dhamaka, also marks his debut as a music director with this film. His first composition with singer Abhaya Hiranmayi was recorded at the launch. Sinu Sidharth will wield the camera for Nalla Samayam.
Kalandoor Entertainments’ second production was announced in early August, and will be directed by Nadirshah, as the seventh film of the hit-maker. Based on a comic-thriller screenplay by Mohammed Raffi of the popular screenwriter duo, Raffi-Mecartin, the untitled film will feature newcomers playing leads alongside more established stars. Shooting is scheduled to begin in January 2023.
Founder and Chairman, Kalandoor, says the launch of the film production company is part of a diversification strategy deployed by the group to reduce overall risk, maximise returns and ensure sustainability.
He says it is the favourable investment climate and heightened relations between the UAE and India that spurred him into swift action. “Across our group companies, we are always looking at entry into new industries and new markets. When this opportunity presented itself, we evaluated it and made a calculated entry.”
The world of cinema as well as the habits and choices of cinema-loving audiences around the world are changing rapidly, he points out. “We intend to gauge the preferences of Indian consumers and the Indian diaspora at large, for new methods of content consumption and content distribution.
“Kalandoor Entertainments embraces change. We want to make more films available and accessible to discerning audiences, in whichever parts of the world they live in,” he says.
“We will adapt our strategies to match changing sensibilities, while collaborating with professionals and artistes across all sectors.”
Kalandoor Entertainments is based in Kochi, the commercial capital of the Kerala, and the hub of the globally acclaimed Malayalam film industry, with a concentration of studios, and production and post-production facilities, and staggering variety of outdoor locations. Malayalam cinema is best known for its realistic, story-driven plots, thespian actors and stunning cinematography.
“As with everything we do, we have built in sustainability valves, and in this instance, it is our focus on new talent. In an industry that is rife with nepotism, we want to give young talent new opportunities in all fields,” he says, from his office at Dubai Investment Park, headquarters of the Kalandoor Group.
“It is cost-effective and stress-free on one hand, and on the other it promotes societal values and community relations. It may be show business, but we cannot afford to ignore the sustainability factor.”
