Talent knows no boundaries

For Devika S. Dev, writing has never been a talent she wanted to prove in front of others, nor did she long to gain praises. Multiple thoughts that developed in her mind about things that catch her attention make way to the paper through her pen. And this is the reason why it never occurred to her that she would participate in various competitions, win prizes and become famous like other talented students of her age do. Be it the seasons, nature, pollution or various social issues, the 10th grade student of the Mayil Government Higher Secondary School takes inspiration from everything around her to write stories and poems. It was director Jiju Orappadi, who personally knew Devika and her family, who thought that one of her stories could be made into a movie. Her short story Thiricharivu is thus getting adapted for the screen, and the film's name is Velutha Madhuram.

Sharing her happiness, an overwhelmed Devika says, “I had never imagined that something of this sort would happen in my life. I used to give Jiju chettan all my stories to read as his inputs have constantly enabled me to improve my writing. When he approached me with the offer I couldn’t refuse, mainly because I know that he will be doing complete justice in terms of narrating the story in the form of a movie. He explained to me every aspect of how we could modify the story in order to make it into a movie. Though it was challenging to make a compact version of a story one has written elaborately, I could pull it out as expected by the team,” says Devika, who wishes to see herself writing more such stories that have social relevance in the years to come.

The screenplay and dialogues of Velutha Madhuram that deals with various events that happens in a family which has kids going to higher seconday class has been written by popular writer Anil G.S. (Vellaripravinte Changathi fame) and Devika, who is in awe of his talent, adds that Anil seamlessly incorporated p certain elements that are mandatory for a movie, but were not present in her story. The shooting of the movie, which has leading Malayalam stars playing pivotal roles, will begin in Kannur by mid November. It is being produced under the banner of Vykhari Productions.

When asked about her future plans, Devika says that as of now she wants to concentrate on her board exams and that writing for her is like meditation that can't be set aside for other commitments. “Either I write or I search for topics to write. I don't think it is going to change any time soon,” she concludes