When you think of versatile actors of new-gen Malayalam cinema, Indrajith Sukumaran’s name is the first that comes to mind. From a protagonist to an antagonist to a supporting role — he dares to attempt all sort of roles. His upcoming film directed by Dr Biju, Kaadupookkunna Neram, has been selected at more than five international film festivals that include International Film Festival of India, International Film Festival of Kerala and Montreal International Film Festival, Canada. In fact, after a gap of four years,the actor has been a part of an off-beat film.
Indrajith believes that these days there is no point in categorising a film as a small or an offbeat project. “Unlike before, people are ready to watch all kinds of good films. They are not bothered about whether it is an off-beat or commercial one. One needs good marketing for all types of films to reach the audience in order to make them aware about these projects,” says the actor.
The film is Indrajith’s third collaboration with the award winning director. “He is my friend and we have worked together in two films — Veetilekkulla Vazhi and Aakashathinte Niram. A few months ago, he called me to say that he is planning to do this film. I read the script and found it interesting. That’s how I became a part of it,” he says. Indrajith feels this film is performance-oriented. “It is completely set against the backdrop of a forest where a policeman and a suspected Maoist activist meet. It is a journey of these two characters and their conflicts. I found scope for acting in this plot and that’s why I committed to this project,” says the actor, who appears in the role of a policeman while Rima Kallingal essays the Maoist’s role.
Still from Kaadupookkunna Neram
Post completion of Kaadupookkun- na Neram (KPN), the actor had joined a big budget film Tiyaan for which he teamed up with his younger brother Prithviraj.
Indrajith says that the trend of big budget films is good for the film industry. “Such films grab the attraction of audiences. Like I said before, good marketing strategies are necessary for making a movie a hit,” he adds. Tiyaan’s director Jiyen Krishnakumar is also Indrajith’s friend.
“We have worked together in two films — College Days and Kaanchi. He is a good filmmaker. In fact Tiyaan was under discussion for the past few years, as it is something new that we have not seen before. The script of this movie was done by Muali Gopy, who is brilliant in coming up with minute emotions through his script. I have essayed lead roles in his two previous writing ventures — Ee Adutha Kalathu and Left Right Left. When it comes to my character and storyline, I cannot reveal those details at this point of time.” The filming is happening in Hyderabad. In his free time, he goes on bike expeditions. “I love to travel a lot. I have a gang of six friends with who I used to go for motorcycle trips,” he says.
