'Chemmeen' writer's grandson set for film debut

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 18 (IANS) Doctor turned filmmaker Raj Nair, who is legendary Malayalam writer Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai's grandson, says he is looking forward to the release of 'Punyam Aham', his first full-length feature film.

Nair, who works as a professor in Oral Medicine in Australia, says he is racing against time to tie the last loose ends of his film, which releases Friday.

'All my leave is over and I am on loss of pay because I was here for the shooting of my film and for the post-production five times last year. I am leaving Sunday and before that my film would be released,' Nair told IANS.

His first love has always been films and if not for his grandfather, the writer of the award winning 'Chemmeen', he would have headed straight to the film institute in Pune to do a course in cinematography after he graduated in dentistry from Manipal in Karnataka.

Thakazhi was a Jnanpith awardee and the film adaptation of his 'Chemmeen' won the National Award for the best film in 1964.

In 2004, Nair made a feature length docu-drama about his grandmother called 'Kazhchavasthukkal' (The Exhibits). It had garnered critical acclaim and was shown at several places outside the country.

'Punyam Aham' is about a son's journey to learn more about his father and popular actor Prithviraj plays the lead role along with Samvrutha Sunil.

The films also stars veterans like Nedumudi Venu, K.P.A.C. Lalitha and M.R. Gopakumar, among others.

'Punyam Aham' is produced under the banner of Mirabilia Films and the film's music has been composed by Isaac Thomas Kottukappilly.

But why isn't Nair staying on to see the audience's reaction to his film?

'I am of course happy with my film and now it is for others to judge. It is immaterial that I am not here when the film is being released. If it brings in the audience I will be able to know when I check my bank account,' Nair said.

The director added that the film would also be released with English sub-titles and would be screened in Australia as well.