Mexican realism in Mollywood

Before the movie Comrade in America (CIA) begins, we are told that the story is inspired by real events. As the movie progresses, one could see reality merging with the narrative. It shows the journey of Aji Matthew, a young comrade, to the US for his love taking an illegal route and through him, we see the fate of refugees who try to cross the US –Mexican border. A film that is quite relevant in the time of Trump.

Sitting at a café in Kochi, Shibin Francis, scriptwriter of Comrade in America, recalls the journey that brought him to CIA. “In the current scenario, it is difficult for a normal person to get into the US even through the proper channel. A young man from India wants to reach the US within a short span and how would he attain that? This was the spark that created CIA. Other elements followed,” Says Shibin.

The realism becomes apparent in the second half, when the movie throws light on the global refugee crisis. It is a subject that hasn’t been discussed in Malayalam cinema so far.  Other characters who dream of food and better living conditions join Aji Matthew in his journey. “This is a common sight in the border towns of America. Many people have taken this route before. It is still an open channel. There are many who illegally work in the town. They may get caught but people still do this.”  

The movie has Chinese and Pakistanis travelling with Aji. “Once I read an article about the arrest of 14 people on the border. Among them, seven were Asians. That inspired me to include such characters,” says Shibin. “The second half was shot in Mexico and border towns of America. It is a realistic portrayal of life in that area. We have shown justice to the journey and to the location. We even stayed in the area where such immigrants live, during the shoot. It was a new experience. If CIA hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have gone there,” adds Shibin.
He has taken Communism as the backdrop to narrate all these.  “Only a person who upholds such an ideology in life could take such a journey that CIA demands. Hence Aji Matthew is a communist. The ideology mirrors throughout his deeds.”

And, the movie shows Aji conversing with the communist leaders in a casual way. Was that an attempt to bring novelty? “No. Aji cannot share his plans with his family or friends because they wouldn’t accept it. He shares it with the audience through his conversation with the leaders. Can’t a communist talk to his leaders in a lighter tone?” asks Shibin.

He is grateful to Amal Neerad for making his dream come true. “The movie wouldn’t have been possible without him. He could totally relate to the subject and never compromised on quality. I am thankful to Dulquer too for beautifully imbibing the soul of Aji Matthew.”