Political satire to set a new record in Mollywood.
By Akanksha Warrier
MUMBAI: Peruchazhi (Bandicoot), with actor Mohanlal as the main lead, has become the only Malayalam film to be shot in the United States within 30 days.
As Mohanlal’s Mr Fraud is set to release this week, the prolific actor’s another upcoming film Peruchazhi is the one making news. Directed by award winning filmmaker Arun Vaidyanathan, it will be the first Mollywood film to be shot in a mere 30 day schedule in the US.
The film’s crew has left to film the scenes in the US. Some parts of the movie and a song have already been shot at an artificial set at Raviz Hotel in Kollam, Kerala, which supposedly resembles Uncle Sam’s country.
Mohanlal and Mukesh play two close friends as well as bitter political foes at the same time in the film. ‘Peruchazhi’ plots the political tricks and games between Viswanathan (Mohanlal), an upcoming politician and Minister Raghavan (Mukesh).
Meanwhile, Viswanahan has to go to America during an election. The political graph of one of the Governors who is a candidate in the election is at an all-time low and Viswanathan’s purpose is to make the graph soar high and to make this Governor victorious.
Though Viswanathan knows all the tricks, he does not know English. A political satire, the film hilariously picturizes Viswanathan’s American adventures and Minister Raghavan’s efforts to counter Viswanathan’s tricks.
The movie, written and directed by Tamil director Vaidyanathan is being produced by Sandra Thomas and Vijay Babu under the banner of Friday Films. Ragini Nandwani of “Thalaiva” fame is cast as the female lead. A Hollywood actor will play the role of the Governor.
Baburaj, Sankar Ramakrishnan, Vijay Babu, Aju Vargese, Sandra Thomas also do important roles. With Ajayan Venugopal penning the dialogues, the film has Tamil music director Arora as the music composer.
The producers have spent a lot of money to make the film look authentic. Since the film is set entirely in the US, the makers had no go but to shoot there for a month-long schedule and in the process are on their way to set a new record in Mollywood.