They have been friends for a long time. Right from school. And when both came to cinema, the friendship only strengthened. That’s the friendship story of Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese. But then it is also true that there was a minor rift between them at one point. It was when Nivin Pauly came late for the shoot of 'Love Action Drama', a film co-produced by Aju Varghese. Aju didn’t bother to hide his displeasure. But Aju is quick to add that all it took was a phone call for the rift to disappear. And he really doesn’t think it can be really called a quarrel. With 'Saturday Night', directed by Rosshan Andrrews currently running to packed houses, Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese share their friendship story with Manorama.
So who took the initiative to bury the hatchet?
Aju: Who else than Nivin will do that? He is more mature than me. He was acting in 'Kayamkulam Kochunni' then. And Nivin didn’t have the look or body required for a colorful film like 'Love Action Drama'. I think Nivin was right at that time. It was beyond his control to find a solution to my issue. What’s friendship without fights? Sometimes such instances will come when your friends will be hurt by your actions.
Nivin: Such little fights are usual between friends. The beauty is in figuring it out between ourselves and finding a solution for it. That’s the strength of friendship.
You are back with yet another friendship film with 'Saturday Night'…
Nivin: We both started our careers with a film on friendship ('Malarvadi Arts Club'). It took us 12 years to reunite in a film about friendship. 'Saturday Night' isn’t just about fun and laughter but also about the pain of separation, heartbreak and reunions.
Aju: I am someone who came to cinema on the strength of friendship and continues to survive in cinema on the power of friendship. I think friendships are everlasting, they will be there till your last breath. 'Saturday Night' narrates that kind of friendship. A colourful film! Nivin has a fake affectation and there is also humour in that. And the audience loves to watch it. After 'LAD', the audience can watch such a Nivin in this film.
Tell us more about the characters of 'Saturday Night'…
Nivin: I play a character called Stanley who will do anything for friends. The film narrates the story of four friends and their eventful journey. The film gives much importance to emotions.
Aju: I play this character called Poocha Sunil. I am this guy you can see in every gang who glues all of them together. That’s Poocha.
Aju is quite skilled in public relations. Nivin, have you felt like taking notes from him?
Aju: Says who? He has connections from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Nivin: I think such things are very personal. Some like it. But I am a bit introverted by nature. Since I want my films to reach the maximum audience I actively promote them. Otherwise, I like to be away from the spotlight, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with it. I always think that I will get my energy for my next film from my previous one.
Aju is on a signing spree while Nivin is declining a lot of projects. Are you being very choosy?
Nivin: I get happiness only when I am on projects that really amaze me. I haven’t decided on my next film. I will do a film only if it excites me.
Aju: This is something I know personally. After 'Thattathin Marayathu', Nivin was inundated with offers. I remember Nivin saying that he only wants to do films that have recall value. Films that will stand the test of time and will give him immense satisfaction when he revisits them. Then he had only a minor amount as bank balance. I have also reduced the number of films in the recent past. I think people are becoming more aware of cinema than ever before. I think we need to show a little more responsibility towards the audience now.