'Nna, Thaan Case Kodu' is something I haven’t tried before: Kunchacko Boban | Interview

Kunchacko Boban recently swayed to the beats of the iconic ‘Devadoothar paadi’ song and took the internet by storm. He captured the nuances of the people who danced at such local festivals with such precision that the YouTube video alone registered over 70 lakh views. And in no time the song composed by Ousepachan, featured in Bharathan’s film ‘Kathodu Kathoram’ which was released 37 years ago became a smash hit!

When Kunchacko Boban heard that he had to pick the Kasaragod slang in ‘Nna, Thaan Case Kodu’ he immediately told the director that he wouldn’t be able to do it. So even though he convinced him that it was just for a scene, eventually director Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval made Kunchacko Boban keep that dialect throughout the film. Some of his co-actors who belonged to Kasaragod tutored him through WhatsApp. Kunchacko Boban shares his experience of working in ‘Nna Thaan Case Kodu’.

What does this cinema say?
The film talks about the news that are featured in newspapers every day. And it also addresses the menace of stray dogs, potholes, and corruption. The narrative focuses on village life. There are songs, humour and emotions.

Can we expect a Kunchacko Boban we have never seen before?
You won't find any part of my body without prosthetic makeup in this film. I even have a front protruding tooth. My makeover is definitely new. I was skeptical about whether the audience will like it. But the trailer and song received a lot of support.

Looks like the villagers were also part of the film...
There are a lot of new actors. Our director found them in the streets and tea shops of Kasaragod. Casting was finalized through acting workshops. Most of the shooting was at night. Even if the shooting went till midnight at least 500 locals will be there.

Tell us more about your character...
I play this character called Kozhummal Rajeevan alias Ambas Rajeevan in the film. This is yet another collaboration of Ratheesh Poduval and Santhosh T Kuruvilla after ‘Android Kunjappan.’ Rakesh Haridas has done the camera. Tamil actress Gayathri Sankar is also there in the film.

Why are there so many breaks from your production company?
I don’t know business. I felt I should stick to what I know well. On the 75th birth anniversary of Udaya Studios, the film that was produced under its banner, ‘Ariyippu’ was selected for the 75th edition of the Locarno Film Festival. That’s a proud moment for us. The film was co-produced by Udaya Studio, Kunchacko Boban Productions, and Shebin Backer productions.