A boat jetty near one of the Goshree bridges in Kochi sees a flurry of activity as students of a polytechnic institute, dressed in dark blue uniforms, clamour aboard a boat just as it starts moving.
It's the location for writer-director A.K. Sajan's ‘Asuravithu,' starring Asif Ali and Samvritha Sunil in the lead.
“Asuravithu' is the story of a young man named Don Bosco (Asif Ali). After an unhappy childhood, all he wants is a peaceful life. He is religious, pious and has joined a seminary to become a priest. But sometime later he realises that he is not cut out to be a priest. Meanwhile, he also happens to witness an incident and it changes his life for ever,” says Sajan, director of films such as ‘Stop Violence' and ‘Lanka.'
Contrary to rumours, the director says that ‘Asuravithu' is not a sequel to ‘Stop Violence.' “Though there are some similarities in the mood at certain points, this storyline is more family-oriented,” he explains.
The crew is having a tough time getting the angles perfect inside the moving boat. Asif is a commuter on the boat that is owned by Samvritha, who also doubles up as a conductor. In a corner of the boat, she is busy scribbling on a sheet of paper.
Changing nature
“Don Bosco's nature gradually changes as the film progresses. At this particular point in the story, Don Bosco is a timid polytechnic student living in a seminary. As an actor this is quite an exciting role to essay. I do not like to be categorised in any particular image and this role poses new challenges,” says Asif Ali, who is also working in director Joshiy's ‘Sevens.'
Samvritha says that her character, Martina a.k.a. Marty, “is a bold and vibrant girl. She is also an artist, who often helps cops sketch pictures of suspects from eye-witness accounts. Of course, she has a soft corner for Don Bosco.”
The next day the shooting shifts to a building near U. C. College, Aluva. It's done up to look like the interiors of a seminary. Actor Lena is all set to face the camera. “My character, Angel, is a violin teacher here. It's a very subtle role,” says Lena after completing her shot, while the unit gets ready for the next one with Asif and Samvritha. Siddique, Vijayraghavan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Harisree Asokan, and Ganapathy are also part of the cast.
‘Asuravithu' is being produced by Shaji Thanaparambil under the banner of Leela Creations. Cinematography is by Vishnu Narayan, and music direction is by Alphons and Rajesh Mohan. Stills are by Zas Hamza.
