Actor Mammotty's fans went into a frenzy when a mega-budget period movie starring the megastar was announced a few days back. The actor expressed confidence that the movie named Mamaankam, directed by debutant Sajeev Pillai would be the biggest cinematic outing in his entire career. Mamaankam says the story of a guerilla warfare that took place in the seventeenth century and director Sajeev Pillai has left no stone unturned while contemplating this story, which has an impressive 12 years of research behind it. Venu Kunnappilly, who was slated to produce another big budget movie Karnan with Prithviraj in the lead, is the producer of Mamaankam.
In an interview with Radio Mango, Kunnappilly talks about his ambitious project Mamaankam and the reason why he decided to quit from Karnan.
“Karnan was announced as a big budget movie, as magnificent as a dream-come-true project. Unfortunately, I had to quit from that project. There are two reasons for it. Karnan was approached as a unique movie experience. There were reports in the media that the movie was a whopping Rs 300 crore project, which is absolutely false. Karnan was announced on a budget of 60-70 crores. I don’t know how the other figures came in and this is the truth.”
The producer said that there was proper planning when the movie was launched but many issues came up as it moved further. Venu finally decided to back out of Karnan as he was skeptical of its success and felt he would lose more money if he continued to stay with the project.
"As we had such an experience, it was easy moving forward with Mamaankam. We have been working on this project for the past six-seven months. We have signed contracts with technicians and have given the advance. We have also auditioned people for the Kalari portions. Character design, location, etc., have been decided. There are no worries regarding this project.
"Many projects came to me after Karnan and all of it required big budgets. The story of Mamaankam was heard at the end of 2016. A friend of mine, who is not a director, told me about it. Then the director came to me to tell the story and I decided to do it.
"Baahubali is obviously an inspiration to do movies as big as this. Mamaankam can be made on a smaller budget. But looking at all the aspects of the story, it can only be made on such an overwhelming budget. Be it the visual effects, fight or art, it should stay true to the plot.
"The director, Sajiv Pillai, has had this story in his mind for the past 10 years. He went to stay at the place where Mamaankam took place and did extensive research on it. The script was registered in 2010. Sajiv came to me with the complete script and it was his dedication that attracted me to the project.
"When Sajiv told me the story, I could only envision Mammootty’s face in my mind. I had even thought that I would go forward with this project only if Mammootty came onboard.
Although the film is shot in Malayalam, it would be released in Tamil and Telugu as well and actors from both the industries would be in the movie. The perfect script, impeccable making style and the hero, Mammootty, would be taking the movie forward.
"The technicians are from Hollywood and Hong Kong. The cinematographer is from India and they have already started their work.
"The title of the movie was a matter of concern. It was Mammootty who told me to try for the title Mamaankam itself.When we discussed the matter with Navodaya, they happily agreed and their only demand was that the new movie keeps the same quality as the old one. We are very grateful to them for that.
"About 30-40 percent of the film would be shot in VFX. There are many high octane action sequences and emotionally charged scenes in the movie that would keep the audience glued onto to their seats with excitement and appreciation.
"Mammukka has already described Mamaankam as the biggest movie of his career. I assure that this movie will turn out fine and do one hundred percent justice to his efforts and the confidence he had shown upon us. Mamaankam is going to amaze you beyond all your expectations. The team has been busy with the pre-production work for the past six months."