Double trouble

On location ‘Pokkiri Raja' stars Mammootty and Mammootty as brothers.

A potboiler movie: Prithviraj, Shreya Saran and Mammootty in 'Pokkiri Raja'.

The heroics of two brothers is what debut director Vysakh narrates in ‘Pokkiri Raja,' the shooting of which is now under way in Kochi. Mammootty and Prithviraj play the heroes in the film, which, according to its makers, has the right ingredients for a commercial entertainer.

The location for the day is the ground floor of an apartment complex near Edappally that has been turned into an entrance of a hospital. The scene has actor Shriya Saran, clad in a white top and long skirt, walking in. A few rehearsals later the shot is canned with Shriya and some junior artistes in the background.

Familial ties

At the heart of ‘Pokkiri Raja's story is familial ties. Raja (Mammootty) and Surya (Prithviraj) are sons of an idealistic school teacher called Madhavan (Nedumudi Venu). However, his sons become trouble makers, explains the director who learnt the craft by assisting directors such as Joshiy and Johny Antony.

“Raja ran away from home to Madurai after a scuffle. He becomes the leader of a gang of ruffians in Madurai. Madhavan's hope is Surya. He, however, proves to be a bigger headache as he follows in his brother's footsteps. Surya is packed off to his brother-in-law Sugunan (Suraj Venjarammood), a cop. Things take an intriguing turn from then on.”

Raja, who has been living in Madurai for several years now, talks with a peculiar accent and is a huge fan of Rajnikant. Although Prithviraj played an ardent Mammootty fan in the film ‘One Way Ticket,' the duo are starring in a full length role together for the first time in ‘Pokkiri Raja.'

Shriya plays Aswathy, the daughter of the city police commissioner. “She falls in love with Surya. The scene that is being canned now shows her visiting him in the hospital,” says the director, as cinematographer Shaji gets ready for for the next shot.

Shriya, who is preparing for the shot says she is excited to be working in a film with Mammootty and Prithviraj in the lead.

“However, I don't know if I will do more films in Malayalam as it depends on the kind of roles that are offered to me,” she says.

‘Pokkiri Raja' has been produced by Mulakupadam films and is slated to hit theatres during Vishu.

Kaithapram's lines have been set to tune by Jassie Gift. Mahadevan Thampi is the still photographer for the movie.