The décor is quirky and reflects the modern outlook of those who work at Rossario’s Event Management Company. Amid the buzz of activity, the camera focusses on company boss Rossario (Anoop Menon) as he brainstorms with his team, comprising Karthik (Dulquer Salmaan), Riya (Malavika Mohanan) and Sherin (Archana Kavi).
It’s the location of cinematographer-turned-director N. Azhagappan’s Pattam Pole, which is progressing inside a set at Udaya Studios in Alappuzha.
“This is a love story that happens in Kuttanad. Karthik and Riya, who belong to different religions, fall in love. The film is not about religious differences, though. It is about how the duo has to make certain adjustments to accommodate each other in their lives after they fall in love. They find out soon enough that all is not rosy with romance,” says Azhagappan.
He adds that the narrative mixes humour and seriousness in equal measure.
“Within our society we have many cultures and all that becomes part of the narrative as the story moves from Alappuzha to Kumbakonam and then Goa. I am confident that Dulquer will be perceived as a romantic hero after this one,” says the director.
Dulquer agrees and adds: “This is my first full-fledged love story and that is one genre I had wanted to try. Pattam Pole is rather like one of those much-loved classical love stories. I really like playing the shy, Tamil-Brahmin guy that is Karthik.”
Malavika is the daughter of cinematographer K. U. Mohanan. DonTalaashFukrey Azhagappan says that he had considered several actors, including Shruti Haasan, for the role. In the end, it was Mammootty who suggested Malavika’s name.
“I play this unassuming girl, who is in love with her colleague. Though I grew up in Mumbai , it is not difficult for me to play a village belle. I am familiar with Kerala as I come here during vacations,” says Malavika.
“Initially, I was nervous. Gradually, I started getting into the role when I began to understand my character better. I am enjoying my stint as an actor but I hope to turn to direction later on,” she adds.
Archana, meanwhile, plays Sherin, Karthik’s best friend. Sherin feels that Karthik and Riya belong together and encourages the romance.
Anoop says he decided to do this role as he has been close to Azhagappan, right from his days as a TV artiste. He sports a thin French beard and, according to Azhagappan, his character, Rossario, is a bit of an eccentric.
Pattam Pole is being produced by Karunakaran, under the banner of Carlton Films. K. Gireesh Kumar is the scenarist and the music has been composed by M. Jayachandran. Still photographer is Jayaprakash Payyannur.
