Kochi: During his college studies, Arun Raj’s passion for cinema came to his mind. After doing a few short films during the hardships, when I gained confidence, I wanted to make a movie with Mammootty as the hero.
The 31-year-old’s wish is coming true after overcoming the difficulties faced in life and in the film industry. Got a call from Mammootty’s office.
Mammootty will play the lead role in the film ‘Kathiravan’, which tells the life of the historical figure Aiyankali. The shooting is expected to start this year.
The success of the first short film paved the way for the mainstream, but there were many experiments. The highly anticipated film ‘Kurish’ was cleared by the censor board and released 25 days ago with many changes. The theme of religion exploiting children was the problem. A certificate was not changed even though many fields were omitted. Distributors backed out with the name change. The financial crisis worsened. Mammootty’s office called when he was completely devastated.
Arun’s films include Muttuvin Authaparatha, Welcome to Pandimala and Kurish (Edwin’s name). The cinematography of the films is also done by Arun.
He has also made four short films like Swapnasanchari and Memory of Murder. Memory of Murder won several awards including the Mumbai IIFF.
Nomadic,
Work in the shop
Arun, a native of Haripad, Alappuzha, was taught many life lessons by the days of complete starvation, when he left the job he got during his college studies and wandered around different countries for a year due to his love for cinema. Arun left the job he got in Visakhapatnam Coast Guard for the film while his father went to work as a laborer and his mother took care of the house.
Traveled from Kerala to Andhra by train. Coot was only a ragged garment. To earn a living, he worked as a cleaner in a thatch shop and hotel in Palarivattam. With the help of a film production controller who came here, he learned the technical aspects of cinema with the income from hotel work.
“How happily a man like Mammooka listens to newcomers. The film is sure to take place this year itself.’
-Arunraj,
Director
