At a time when music videos in Malayalam have been few and far between, comes Manwah , shot on a big budget, that too in four languages. Some good music, extravagant set and appealing visuals have made the video go viral on YouTube. Pleased with his venture is its director, city-based Sooraj Sukumar Nair.
The song, ‘Then thulliyo’, a qawwali number, breaks into a celebratory mood, at an engagement. The six-minute track breezes through the budding romance between a dancer and a youngster from the groom’s side. Shot on a lavish set at Karaikkudi, the song has been composed by Prasanth Mohanan. Nayana Nair, who shot to fame with her song ‘Kanna nee’ from Baahubali 2 , has sung and acted in all the four languages.
Grand scale
Sooraj, with many short films, music videos and advertisements to his credit, says it was a conscious decision to make the video on a large scale and release it in four languages — Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
Sooraj Sukumar Nair
“Our producers wanted a product of good quality to ensure a wider reach. So we went for the best instead of the run-of-the-mill stuff. Over 70 people worked behind it for two-and-half days. We made it a multilingual work because music videos in Malayalam always fall short of support. The videos in the other three languages will be uploaded soon,” says Sooraj, an IT professional and businessman. Shot by Aghosh Vyshnavam, the lyrics were penned by Dennis Joseph.
Sooraj says he has mostly shot music videos for compositions by non-resident Malayalis. Prasanth is based in the United Kingdom and has some notable works to his credit, the latest being Gajam , crooned by Vijay Yesudas and Vidhu Prathap. “I have taken only the basic lessons in Carnatic music, but it always keeps me in good stead when I make music videos. Music has been part of my growing up years, thanks to my mother, Radhadevi, who still gives concerts,” Sooraj adds.
Prasanth Mohanan
The 30-year-old has his eyes set on filmmaking as well. He has acted in a movie, Vakku , directed by Sujith S Nair and scripted by Madhupal. He is working on a new script to be made by Sujith with Suraj Venjaramoodu in the lead and will soon turn director with Kaanchanamala Kathirikkunnu , featuring Manikuttan and Bhama.
“I have learnt direction by making short films. What came in handy has been assisting GS Vijayan and Sujith,” says Sooraj. His short films Reply and Anamika has been widely appreciated.
Manwah is produced by Jinodkumar Pillai, Anitha Prasanth and Karikkakom Mohanan, all non-resident Malayalis.
