National award-winning director Visu’s debut film, Manal Kayiru (1982), was an immensely successful laugh riot. The film was a humorous take on arranged marriages of that time. Now, after almost 34 years, S Ve Shekher is coming out with a sequel.
“I readily agreed when Shekher approached me with plans to do Manal Kayiru ,” says Visu. “I’ve given him total freedom to work on the screenplay and story.” Shekher also went on to get the necessary permissions from the film’s producer, Kavithalayaa Productions.
How have marriages changed in the last three decades? “I was reading the news of two additional courts being set up to handle the increasing number of divorces. That’s when I thought about making a film that upholds family values and marital relationships. Some compromise in relationships goes a long way in avoiding a divorce,” he says.
Visu has no part to play in the story/screenplay. “I hope the audience don’t come to watch the film with expectations of seeing a Visu film. Apart from the title, there is no similarity,” says Visu, who plays an important role in the film. In addition, Shekher and Kuriakose Ranga reprise their roles of Kittumani, and Lakshmanasamy (Kittumani’s brother-in-law). “In this film, my daughter, Nisha (played by Poorna), comes up with eight conditions to be met, if she is to get married. Arjun (played by Ashwin, Shekher’s son) falls in love with her and agrees. He even signs a contract,” says Shekher. The film portrays the troubles of the couple face in a humorous way.
Comedians Jagan, Chaams, and George play the hero’s friends. “I guarantee at least 100 laughs during the film,” says Shekher. The film will also use a four-minute footage from the prequel.
“ Manal Kayiru 2 will be a commentary on the relationships of today. We have adapted a practical approach to showing the problems faced by today’s youngsters,” says Ashwin, who has previously acted in two films, Vegam and Ninaivil Nindraval .
Murali of Sri Thenandal Films, who’s producing the film, says, “When I heard the concept, I realised the idea would be hugely relevant today. I am optimistic that the film will be a trendsetter.” Music is by Dharan Kumar, with Anirudh already having recorded a song. The film, directed by R. Madhan Kumar ( Yaaruda Mahesh ) is set for release this month.
