Four friends and a romance

Catch up with Manoj and Vinod, debutant directors of Orkut Oru Ormakoottu, the first Malayalam release of 2012

January 06, 2012 09:35 pm | Updated July 25, 2016 07:20 pm IST

Manoj and Vinod, directors of Orkut Oru Ormakoottu

Manoj and Vinod, directors of Orkut Oru Ormakoottu

Quite in sync with changing social mores, times, a film based on a group of youngsters befriending a girl through a social networking website is the first Malayalam release of 2012 – Orkut Oru Ormakoottu . Directed by debutants Manoj and Vinod, has directed Orkut Oru Ormakoottu, with the film has director Siby Malayil's son Joe, actor Lalu Alex's son Ben, actor Vinu Mohan's brother Anu, and still photographer Gopalakrishnan's son Vishnu in the cast, along with Rima Kallingal.

Although the film was completed some time ago, its release was delayed for various reasons. As the movie logged in to We caught up with the director duo, as the film reached theatres on Thursday, the director-duo talk about the film and its cast.

What is Orkut Oru Ormakoottu about?

If we look around, it is evident that we are becoming selfish. We tend to ignore even our families. It is all about ‘I.' We tend to ignore things that do not directly affect us and are even hesitant about sharing love. All these have started affecting the new generation. There is no point in blaming the new generation alone for the current state of affairs, as earlier generations were also responsible for this kind of a situation. They want their kids to follow a certain path, but the youngsters tend to misuse their freedom, when they get a chance. Our film is an attempt to make youngsters rethink their priorities and encourage them to get involved in the world around them.

Why was the release delayed?

There were several issues. Also, things are never easy with so many young faces facing the camera, and a few new technicians in the crew. We are thankful to producer Johnny Sagarika for his tremendous support in getting the film released.

How welcoming is the Malayalam industry to newcomers?

The atmosphere is good for newcomers and viewers are ready to accept new themes. But the system here is tough and at times we feel that success here is all about a lot of luck and a little bit of talent.

How successful have you been in conveying the original concept on to the screen?

When we started, we had a fair idea about how to shoot the story and on the kind of shots we needed. Of course, as it often happens, everything didn't go as planned. But, let us say, we are 90 per cent happy. And that is something to rejoice about.

Were there any real life inspirations for your story?

Most stories have connections with our own lives.

How was it working with four debutants in the lead?

We wanted youngsters in the cast, but there weren't many experienced actors around. Choosing ‘star sons' was not intentional. It was something that happened but it became a plus point for the movie. The young team made communication easy on the sets and they have all given their best for the project.

Your future projects?

We want to do some good films and are eagerly waiting to know how the viewers receive our maiden venture.

A fun trip

The four friends live in an apartment and Vishnu, Jose, Anu and Ben chorus that “we had a blast shooting for Orkut Oru Ormakoottu and it was like a long picnic.” In addition to the four youngsters in the lead, actor Harisree Asokan’s son Arjun is also playing an important role in the movie.

Heavyweight Joe plays Ronnie in the film, who quite like him, is a foodie. “His friends mean the world, for my character,” says Joe. Ben plays Aby, “who is really hot tempered, mainly because of his less-than-cordial ties with his parents. He is kind of an odd one among the quartet.”

Engineer-turned-actor Vishnu plays Arun, “who is basically an introvert.” Anu enacts Sooraj, “the romantic, who prefers to woo stylish girls.”

For the youngsters, the chance to act in the film happened by chance. “The story is basically about their change in attitudes after they become friendly with Rima’s character. The film highlights the value of friendship and we feel that the film understands the psyche of the youth in a fantastic way,” say the four.

They feel the movie and its shooting “as an experiment and let us see how our performances turn out on screen. We will decide on our future as actors, only after that.”

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