Kunal Kapoor and Divina Thakur at IFFIPanaji: Malayalam director Jayaraj's much-awaited multi-lingual film "Veeram" was screened before a packed audience here Friday.
The film touted to be one of the most expensive films made in Malayalam, attracted the audience attention with its exotic visuals that suit a period drama.
An adaptation of William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the film juxtaposes the title character of the play with the legendary warrior of northern Kerala - Chandu.
The film reinvents the Chandu in the folk tales who is a cheat and power greedy just like Macbeth. The popular ballad was earlier demystified in MT-Hariharan team's "Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha" which shows Chandu as one who was deceived other than deceives.
Veeram is noted for the visuals, mostly in the backdrop of Ajantha Ellora caves, the sequences involving Kerala's ancient martial arts Kalaripayattu and the dramatic background score. Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor justifies his casting as the lead character with his flexible movements as a Kalari expert.
The film was screened at the ongoing 47th edition of IFFI as part of its Indian Panorama section.
Addressing media before the screening, Jayaraj exuded confidence that the film will fare well in box office. He said the film will be released in theaters on January 20.
Asked about the casting of actors from outside Kerala in the lead roles, Jayaraj said he wanted the film to have a fresh look and the actors' physique needed to suit a Kalari expert.
Jayaraj said it was a challenge to portray Chandu as a cheat as Mammootty's portrayal of the character as a good man in "Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha" is deep-rooted in Malayalam film lovers' minds.
The cast and crew of the film Veeram at IFFIThough cut off from the legends of the Vadakkan pattu ballads, the film doesn't specify its times and the characters look different from those in the popular beliefs of the legends. Asked about this, Jayaraj said he has taken the creative freedom to make some changes in the appearance of the characters.
The film premiered at the BRICS Film Festival on 2 September 2016 in New Delhi.
The film's stunt choreography was done by Allan Poppleton. Trefor Proud handled make-up while music was composed by Jeff Rona. Color grading was supervised by Jeff Olm.
S. Kumar handles the camera while editing was done by Appu Bhattathiri.
Shivajith Nambiar played the role of Aromal Chekavar while Himarsha Venkatsamy essayed the role of Unniyarcha. Newcomer Divina Thakur performed as Kuttimani, the Malayalam counterpart of Lady Macbeth.
The film was received with applause by the IFFI audience from various parts of the world.
