‘Varthakal Ithuvare is a tribute to 90s films’

...says Manoj Nair about his directorial debut, a comedy thriller set in the 90s, which features Siju Wilson, Vinay Forrt, Nedumudi Venu and Alencier Ley  
‘Varthakal Ithuvare is a tribute to 90s films’

The shoot of Premam fame Siju Wilson's Varthakal Ithuvare has commenced. Directed by newcomer Manoj Nair, the film is a family-friendly comedy thriller set in the 90s, and also features Vinay Forrt, Nedumudi Venu, Nandhu, Mamukoya, Saiju Kurup, and Alencier Ley.

Manoj says the film will be a tribute to 90s Malayalam cinema. "This project came out of a love for films made in that era. I grew up watching the films of Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad. If you ask me who my favourite directors are, I would place them above all the foreign filmmakers. While watching those films we got the feeling of reading a short story. So my aim is to recreate the same atmosphere of those films. Though it's too early to say, I hope I can achieve it."

Each character in this film will have a distinct personality and shades, says Manoj. "Look at some of the 90's films. Take Sandesham, for example. You don't know anything about Sankarady's background, but in one particular conversation he has with Sreenivasan, you get the feeling that you know everything about this man. I believe we have characters like that in our film too. We want to make this film accessible to an ordinary viewer, something that would entertain them. "

Siju Wilson plays the role of a police constable and the story revolves around a robbery case. Of Siju Wilson's casting, Manoj says, "Siju has that everyman quality to him that we thought would be so apt for this film. He reminds me of the protagonists from Sathyan sir's films. I couldn't think of anyone else other than him. I feel he has all the qualities necessary for a good leading man."

Apart from the aforementioned names, there will be a host of newcomers in supporting roles. Filming will take place mostly around locations in Palakkad. 

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