“People ask what my intentions with my films are and I usually give an evasive answer — I try to tell the truth of human condition, the truth as I see it.” — Filmmaker Ingmar Bergman.
This is precisely what director Ranjith Sankar expresses through each of his films. As his latest film 'Punnyalan Agarbathis' spreads its fragrance across the state, Ranjith revels in the sweet smell of success.
“I am really happy with the positive responses. It is a lighthearted entertainer that deals with certain socially relevant issues. I believe that when a serious issue is presented humorously, it makes people think and enjoy it at the same time,” says Ranjith.
'Punnyalan Agarbathis' is the tale of an entrepreneur, Joy Thakkolkaaran who sets out on an unusual business venture of making incense sticks from elephant dung. However, he faces some hardships when he is unable to find enough raw materials. Jayasurya plays the role of Joy Thakkolkaaran in the movie.
“Since the movie touched different issues in society with a mix of comedy, I knew that Jayasurya was the only person who could do justice to the role. He did a great job of balancing the satirical aspect without distancing from the social focus of the movie."
Jayasurya, who has co-produced the film with Ranjith, has also rendered a song for it. “That was actually part of our free publicity. But he has sung the song very well. The song gives a clear picture about the plight of Joy Thakkolkaran in the movie."
Ranjith says the crux of the story is based on a real life incident. “This story got its thread from an incident that happened to one of my uncles ten years back. My uncle tried to start a similar business and he had to go through many difficulties while doing the business," says Ranjith who debuted in Mollywood with the critically acclaimed 'Passenger', 'Arjunan Sakshi' and 'Molly Aunty Rocks'.
Ranjith who has touched various social themes in his previous movies says that it is not his deliberate attempt to focus on social issues. “I feel that every filmmaker should have something relevant to say irrespective of the film that he makes, be it a comedy or action film or any other genre. Whenever I work on a script, a social focus automatically creeps into the story."
Of his future plans, he says, “Nothing is decided yet, but will definitely come up with something interesting!" ?
?
