Aashiq Abu is a keen observer of life and maintains a certain gravitas while picking his themes. He has impressive line-up of films such as Daddy Cool, Salt N’ Pepper, 22 Female Kottayam, Da Thadiya, Idukki Gold, Gangster, Rani Padmini and Mayaanadhi.
His latest, Virus, is based on the Nipah virus outbreak that shook Kerala last year. In the cast are actors like Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas, Revathy, Soubin Shahir, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rima Kallingal, Indrajith and Rahman.
In an interview, Aashiq explains why he felt the story of the battle against the Nipah scare had to be made for the big screen. Edited excerpts:
What prompted you to make a film on the Nipah virus outbreak?
There have been stories about dangerous epidemics in the past but this outbreak in our vicinity left us clueless; initially, no one had any any idea how to face it. The entire social scenario changed and people were petrified even to step out. The fear created by the virus triggered the idea for a film.
How did you go about collecting material for the film?
We had no idea how to deal with the many stories about the stress and anxiety that people went through. I realised that it would be difficult to translate the whole trauma into a film. Everyone who faced it would have their own stories to tell. Our effort is to show a certain portion of their experience.
Aashiq Abu
What are the challenges a filmmaker faces while making a movie on an incident that is familiar to the audience?
Most of us are aware about the outbreak through media reports. There has been a commendable investigation to know more about the virus. So, we may know the cause, the effect and the result of the virus outbreak. There are, however, several technical and scientific aspects that most of us aren’t aware of. That is one of our main areas of interest in the film.
Working with a big line-up of actors in Virus ...
It was quite a challenge. The writers — Muhsin Parari, Sharfu and Suhas — had hand-picked the characters based on the perspective in which the narrative had been set.
The initial process was to decide on how to present it and then we decided on the casting, one after the other. The actors and the technicians who have been part of this project were a motivated lot as we were narrating the true story of a collective effort to contain the virus, one that happened in Kerala.
Mayaanadhi is considered a bold film. Your views?
People are now exposed to world cinema and there is no denying the fact that it is the viewers and not a handful of filmmakers who are bringing about a change in the industry.
The demand from the audience primarily work as the game changer. The popularity of Mayaanadhi vindicates my opinion.
Is there a shift among the stars in Malayalam cinema to opt for content-based films?
I feel the audience needs both. While they love to watch the masala provided by star-studded flicks, they are also looking for content-driven movies. The audience these days is looking for variety.
Are campaigns like #MeToo, gender equality and awareness against misogyny putting the filmmakers under pressure?
It is good to send one’s thoughts through a filter. There are ongoing discussions about regressive ideas against women being portrayed on screen or for that matter about gender, issues like Islamophobia, oppression of Dalits and so on. After the advent of the Internet, the message is clear that a regressive mindset won’t get acceptance any more.
This is also a sort of education that one gets from society. It is a slow but effective process.
How do you enjoy your role as a producer?
I don’t enjoy it at all. My partners tell me I don’t fit the role either as I lack the savvy needed for the job.
I, however, don the role as I find it easier to take certain ideas of mine to the market and the audience.
About your occasional brush with acting?
Again, I don’t enjoy acting as well. I have done a few roles because friends like Rajeev Ravi and Amal Neerad compelled me to do it but those roles matched my body language and slang.
What next?
I am planning to start a project written by Unni R with Soubin Shahir in the lead later this year.
