The brat turns a new leaf

Prithviraj-starrer ‘Thanthonni' is directed by debutant George Varghese.



The hero and his confidante stalk out of a huge bungalow in a huff and they head to a jeep parked in front of the house. The shot is perfect and more action ensues at the location of debutant director George Varghese's film ‘Thanthonni.' Prithviraj and Suraj Venjarammoodu are facing the camera.

“Kochu Kunju (Prithviraj), the youngest member of the wealthy Vadakkan Veettil family, happens to be a brat who is enjoying life on his own terms. It is a huge household where he lives with his mother, three uncles and their families. All in the family are well-placed and rich, except for Kochu Kunju, who has been a troublemaker right from his childhood,” says the director.

Title with a punch

Says Prithviraj with a smile: “I have been perceived as a ‘Thanthonni' for long since I love doing things my way. The film was earlier called ‘Kutti Kurumban' but I wanted to have more punch to its title. When the title ‘Thanthonni' came up, I thought it was perfect for the film.” However, scenarist T.A. Shahid explains that Kochu Kunju is a victim of circumstance.

Cinematographer Sajith Menon gives instructions to his assistants regarding the lighting as yesteryear actor Ambika, who plays Prithviraj's mother, gets ready to face the camera. A portion of Netto's bungalow, a landmark at Edakochi, where the shooting is going on, has been converted into a mansion.

“The scene that we are canning shows Kochu Kunju and Achu (Suraj Venjarammood) being sent to a de-addiction centre by his mother. But he has been told that they are going for the inauguration of a bar and so he is quite enthused about it,” adds the director.

Telugu actor Shelia, who was earlier seen in 'Maya Bazar,' plays the heroine. “She is a bubbly tomboy who works as a junior scientist and loves everything about Kochu Kunju, including his wayward lifestyle.”

Kalabhavan Mani plays a goonda called Neelakantan. Jagathy Sreekumar, Vijayaraghavan, Captain Raju and Suresh Krishna also play important roles in the film. The other locations, besides Kochi, are Ottappalam, Pollachi and Dubai.

‘Thanthonni' is being produced by Marikar films and will reach theatres in January. Lyrics by Gireesh Puthenchery and T.A. Shahid have been composed by Tej Mervin. Still photographer is Mohan Surabhi.

hindu.com