Stars in his eyes

Debutant Martin Prakkat's ‘Best Actor’ starring Mammootty, is all about the travails of a schoolteacher who dreams of being a film actor.

Wannabe actor: Mammootty in 'Best Actor'

A school teacher from a sleepy village wants to be an actor and the film ‘Best Actor' narrates his travails to achieve that goal. Mammootty plays the hero in this film by photographer-turned-debutant director Martin Prakkat, the shooting of which is going on in Kochi.

“This is not a cinema-within-cinema format, but it shows the world of movies from the point of view of an outsider,” says Martin, who has also written the story. “Mohan (Mammootty) is an upper primary schoolteacher, who lives with his wife and their six-year-old son. He is actively involved in the cultural activities in his school and in his village too. His ambition is to act in films. Then a film crew comes to the village for a shoot. Mohan makes several attempts to make his dream happen but certain incidents occur and the story takes a different turn.”

Dreaming big

Mohan is so besotted with this dream of becoming a star that he dresses and behaves like one. Although his colourful clothes and obsession with his looks invite the ridicule of his colleagues, his wife supports his aspirations.

The location for the day is the premises of a school on the Aluva-Parur route. A huge crowd is watching the proceedings and they are visibly excited as Mammootty makes his appearance. The particular scene being filmed has Mammootty walking on to the frame and it is okayed in the first take, itself. As the crew gets ready to take some close-ups, Mammootty joins writer-director Ranjith, who will direct him in ‘Pranchiyettan and the Saint.'

Kannada actor Sruthi Ramakrishna plays the role of Mohan's wife, Savithri.

“I always wanted to be a part of Malayalam films and it is indeed challenging for me to look comfortable in a sari, as I am more at ease in Western outfits, and of course, to play a mother. I am enjoying being part of a high profile project like this,” smiles Sruthi.

“My character, Savithri, is a music teacher and she stands by her husband when he desires to become a film actor,” adds Sruthi.

Nedumudi Venu, Lal, Salim Kumar and Vinayakan appear as a group of ruffians who are more comical than menacing. Sreenivasan, KPAC Lalitha, Sukumari and Bijukkuttan also form part of the cast.

‘Best Actor' is being produced by Noushad and Anto Joseph under the banner of Big Screen Productions. Cinematographer is Ajayan Vincent. Lyrics by Santosh Varma and B. Sreerekha have been set to music by Biji Bal.