logo
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW I 'Gabbar Singh character inspired me to cast Mohanlal in Manjil Virinja Pookkal,' recalls Fazil

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW I 'Gabbar Singh character inspired me to cast Mohanlal in Manjil Virinja Pookkal,' recalls Fazil

On Christmas Day in 1980, Manjil Virinja Pookkal was released in theatres without big names or any fanfare. But that small film by a debut director named Fazil went on to become a pathbreaking hit.
The vision of a young filmmaker changed the course of Malayalam cinema. The film also launched to stardom the likes of Mohanlal, Shankar, Poornima Jayaram and Jerry Amaldev.
Now, as Manjil Virinja Pookkal turns 45, TNIE catches up with Fazil to revisit the making of the landmark film. Excerpts:
Could you share how the core idea of Manjil Virinja Pookkal came about?
I was involved in the script discussions of Thacholi Ambu as part of its creative team. After its success, I asked Navodaya Appachan if we could try making a small-budget film with newcomers. Though hesitant at first, he approved the idea later. But we still didn't have a story for the film.
Around that time, [Appachan's son] Jijo Punnoese handed me a book on people's ghost experiences. A piece in that collection caught our attention. It told the story of two strangers who meet on a flight, fall in love, but after reaching their destination, the woman is mysteriously murdered by her ex-lover. Oddly, her friends claim to have seen her alive after the murder, leading to the eerie question of who they saw.
That sparked the idea of what if someone from a lover's past returns and disrupts a new relationship. From that thread, Manjil Virinja Pookkal was born. I never imagined it would become such a landmark film. If it had failed, perhaps no one would have even known my name today!
Many people consider it a 'new generation' film that broke several conventions. Looking back, how do you see it now?
I don't see Manjil Virinja Pookkal as a 'new generation' film. To me, however, it was a lesson. It was only after making that film that I began to approach projects like Noketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu, films that are now considered timeless, with attention to detail.
Looking back, I actually wonder if we had gone overboard with the style trends of that era — the haircuts, the bell-bottoms…
That said, when filmmakers like Sathyan Anthikad say the film changed the course of Malayalam cinema, I agree. It marked a clear turning point after the Prem Nazir–Madhu–Sukumaran era, paving the way for the rise of Mammootty and Mohanlal.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kerala's cultural, political ethos add depth to the Biennale, says curator Nikhil Chopra
Kerala's cultural, political ethos add depth to the Biennale, says curator Nikhil Chopra

New Indian Express

time3 hours ago

  • New Indian Express

Kerala's cultural, political ethos add depth to the Biennale, says curator Nikhil Chopra

After battling much uncertainty, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) is officially making a comeback. Earlier this month, the Kochi Biennale Foundation announced that Nikhil Chopra, a multidisciplinary artist based in Goa, will curate the sixth edition of the much-celebrated art festival. The 110-day event, titled 'For the Time Being', will run from December 12 to March 31, 2026. Nikhil, associated with HH Art Spaces, a Goa-based artist-led organisation he co-founded, interweaves performance, drawing, photography, sculpture, and installation in his works. Between 2014 and 2017, he performed at the second edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the Bienal de la Habana, the 12th Sharjah Biennial, and documenta 14 in Athens. In this interview with TNIE, Nikhil talks about his journey with the Biennale, his curatorial vision, and his identity as an artist. Excerpts:

PMK Founder Ramadoss' Biopic Titled Ayya The Lion Of Tamil Nadu Announced
PMK Founder Ramadoss' Biopic Titled Ayya The Lion Of Tamil Nadu Announced

News18

time4 hours ago

  • News18

PMK Founder Ramadoss' Biopic Titled Ayya The Lion Of Tamil Nadu Announced

Last Updated: Director Cheran will direct a biopic titled 'Ayya - The Lion of Tamil Nadu' on PMK founder Dr Ramadoss, covering his early life and role in the 1987 Vanniyar reservation agitation. A biopic chronicling the life and political journey of Dr S. Ramadoss, founder of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), has officially been announced under the title Ayya – The Lion of Tamil Nadu. The project will be helmed by National Award-winning filmmaker Cheran, marking his return to direction after his recent acting role in the Malayalam film Narivetta, which starred Tovino Thomas. The film will explore key chapters from Dr Ramadoss' life, with a particular focus on his leadership during the 1987 Vanniyar reservation agitation. The movement played a crucial role in securing a 20 per cent reservation for the Vanniyar community by 1989, a moment widely regarded as a turning point in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. To mark the announcement, the makers unveiled four striking posters depicting scenes inspired by the 1987 protest. Alongside the visual reveal, the team stated, 'His voice roared for the voiceless. Now, his story roars on the big screen." Actor Aari Arujunan has been confirmed to play the lead role, stepping into the shoes of Dr Ramadoss. Sharing his excitement, Aari posted, 'Thrilled to be part of Ayya, the biopic of Dr. Ramadoss! Thanks to Director Cheran sir & Producer Tamil Kumaran for this opportunity." Take a look here: The rest of the cast, including the actor who will portray Dr Ramadoss' son and former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, has yet to be announced. The technical crew includes cinematographer Ekhambram, music composer Sundaramurthy KS, and editor Pon Kathiresh. The project is backed by producer GKM Tamil Kumaran. While the film's production is moving forward, a release date has not yet been finalised. Ayya – The Lion of Tamil Nadu is expected to strike a chord with audiences familiar with Tamil Nadu's political history. The film also marks a notable collaboration between an acclaimed director and a politically resonant subject. view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 09:03 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Dulquer Salmaan's superhero spectacle; 'Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra' teaser drops on THIS date - 'Keep your eyes peeled'
Dulquer Salmaan's superhero spectacle; 'Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra' teaser drops on THIS date - 'Keep your eyes peeled'

Time of India

time5 hours ago

  • Time of India

Dulquer Salmaan's superhero spectacle; 'Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra' teaser drops on THIS date - 'Keep your eyes peeled'

(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The wait is almost over for fans curious about the much-talked-about Malayalam superhero film 'Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra'. The teaser for the film is set to release on July 28, as officially announced. Backed by Dulquer Salmaan 's Wayfarer Films, this marks the production house's seventh venture, and it promises to be a grand cinematic experience. With Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen playing the lead roles, excitement around the teaser is already high. '18+' : Makers drop the BTS video of the Mathew Thomas - Naslen starrer Keep your eyes peeled! - Dulquer Salmaan Featuring Naslen and Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead, the first look promises a stunning fantasy entertainer. Sharing a new poster for the film, Dulquer Salmaan wrote a caption on Instagram that read, "Keep your eyes peeled! Teaser dropping soon. #Lokah #theyliveamongus Stay tuned for updates!." Kalyani Priyadarshan as a superhero In Chandra, the first chapter of the larger Lokah superhero universe, Kalyani Priyadarshan plays the central superhero character. The film, written and directed by Dominic Arun, has been designed as a genre-defining project for Malayalam cinema. A dream team behind the scenes While Nimish Ravi handles the cinematography, Jakes Bejoy composes the music. The editing is by Shaman Chacko, and the production design is handled by Banglan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tugumulyo: Unsold Sofas May Be at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Ronex Xavier is in charge of makeup, while Melvy J and Archana Rao lead the costume design team. The film also boasts international action choreographer Yannick Ben, suggesting some high-octane sequences in the works. Meanwhile, Naslen was last seen in the Khalid Rahman's directorial entertainer film 'Alappuzha Gymkhana' which turned out to be a superhit. Kalyani Priyadarshan's previous hit was the Vineeth Sreenivasan's directorial 'Varshangalkku Shesham' which also featured Pranav Mohanlal, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Nivin Pauly, Asif Ali, Neeta Pillai and many others in pivotal roles. On the other hand, Dulquer Salmaan will be next seen in 'RDX' fame Nahas Hidhayath's upcoming film 'I'm Game'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store