What is it like to face the camera at 89?
That’s a question we need to ask stage actress Kanchana, who was last seen in the 1965 Malayalam film Inapraavugal. She played actress Sarada’s sister.
Kanchana now plays a pivotal role in upcoming Malayalam film Ola Peepi, releasing in Kerala on September 30.
Ola Peepi is Malayalam cinematographer Krish Kaimal’s directorial debut. Kaimal is a well-known fashion photographer and ad film director.
The movie is about the bond shared between a nine-year-old boy and his grandmother, with whom he lives.
Kaimal has written the story based on real-life incidents, some borrowed from his life and some from the people around him.
“Ola Peepi also reflects the era when the Land Reforms Act was passed in Kerala and how it affected several families,” says Kaimal.
Kanchana plays a woman from an aristocratic family whose life is changed.
Kaimal praises the senior actress and says, “Kanchana amma was a complete professional. Acting is in her blood.”
The supporting cast includes Biju Menon, Paris Lakshmi, Srijit Ravi and child actor Dev Prayag. Anil Johnson has composed the music.
Ola Peepi is not a regular commercial film so finding producers was a challenge to Kaimal. The film was funded by a few of his friends, one of who is Malayalam director Sunil Ebrahim. Kaimal worked as a cinematographer in Ebrahim’s Chapters and Arikil Oraal. Besides, the cast and crew members did not take any remuneration for the film. Instead, they chose to support the film through the purchase of shares.
“Ola Peepi will be a nostalgic journey for many viewers,” adds Kaimal.
