Jayaram will add a realistic touch to Swapaanam

… Says director Shaji N Karun, whose next film will have the chenda enthusiast actor in the lead
National Award-winning director Shaji N Karun’s film Vaanaprastham celebrated Kerala’s arts in the form of Kathakali and won international acclaim. His next venture, Swapaanam, which has Jayaram, is all set to shed light on the work of chenda artistes in the state and how their work is often recognised by the society.
Talking about the film, Shaji says the plot centres on how a creator’s craft often works adversely against him. “It basically addresses the pain of a creative artiste. The story deals with how society sometimes labels an extremely creative person as a mad man. Even though he is ahead of time, he may never be acknowledged for it,” he explains, adding that the film evolves through a thread between a chenda player and a Mohiniyattam dancer.
On choosing Jayaram, who is a chenda artiste himself, Shaji says, “His skills were very much the reason for choosing him for the role and he will practice and perform for the film, adding to its realistic element. Besides, several renowned chenda players will be part of the cast.” The movie will go on floors in May.
Incidentally, Shaji had earlier announced a Mohanlal project, Gaadha — that is an adaptation of T Padmanabhan’s short story Kadal based on Indian classical music in symphony orchestra — and had roped in Polish musician Zbigniew Priesner for composing the score. “I’m yet to get dates of the composer; that’s the reason the film is getting delayed. People are more inspired by western music now. I want them to open their ears to Indian music and get inspired by it. Music is crucial to this film and its message,” Shaji points out.