Ann Augustine returns to acting with Suraj in director Harikumar’s Auto Rickshawkarante Bharya

Ann Augustine is returning to acting after a gap of nearly six years with director Harikumar’s

Auto Rickshawkarante Bharya

, in which she is paired with Suraj Venjaramoodu. The film is based on famous short story by the same name by

M Mukundan

, who has also written the film’s screenplay.

Speaking about casting Suraj and Ann, Harikumar says, “I bought the rights to the story soon after it was out, and roped Suraj in, almost as soon as I thought of making the film about two years back. He did not have the ‘stardom’ he enjoys today; if he did, I probably would not thought of him in the role of Sajeevan, who is lazy and good-for-nothing. It is this character’s wife, who shakes him up and shows him how to handle life. I thought of Ann, because the role needed someone very smart and is told with humour and fun. Ann had been divorced and I asked her if she would like to make a return to acting with this film, and she was keen. She has learnt to drive the auto for her role.”

Swastika and Janardhanan are also doing important roles. The film, set to start shoot tomorrow, will be against the backdrop of Mahe — typical of Mukundan’s writings — and will reflect the language and lifestyle of the place. Alagappan is the cinematographer, Ouseppachan is the composer and Prabha Varma is doing the lyrics.

Incidentally, December 11 marked 40 years since award-winning director Harikumar’s debut film, Aambal Poovu, hit theatres. His 2020-film Jwalamukhi, starring Surabhi Lakshmi, is currently doing the rounds of festivals.