Guppy is a film that brings a lump to one’s throat; Chethan Jayalal’s melancholic eyes, Tovino Thomas’ bitterness and remorse, Rohini’s unconditional love and the soulful ‘Thaniye’ flash one after another in the minds of movie buffs. The touching tale of love, hope and repentance was much-hailed and had received several honours. Naturally, when director Johnpaul George announced his next titled Ambily, the excitement in the air is high.
“A road movie, Ambily has on board Soubin Shahir, Naveen Nazim and Tanvi Ram. Soubin will be seen in a lead role in the movie after the much-lauded Sudani from Nigeria. It also marks the debut of actor Nazriya Nazim’s brother Naveen. In this age of the politics of hatred, the film talks about people who embody love and care,” says Johnpaul, who reveals that the casting process is going on.
His debut, Guppy had won five state film awards for its performances, cinematography, songs and background score. A director with a music background, Johnpaul ensures that Ambily too is knit well with five-six beautiful songs composed by Vishnu Vijay.
“Music is the soul of a movie and I have no other choice than Vishnu. Not just because he is my childhood friend, he is an immensely talented guy and the world needs to get more from him,” says the director, who has a degree in vocal music from the Swati Tirunal College of Music, Thiruvananthapuram, from where he found his passion for filmmaking.
To play the lead actors in Ambily, he cast Soubin and was on the lookout for an apt face when a friend sent him a video. “It was the video of a birthday celebration – of Nazriya and her brother Naveen who were born on the same day, a year apart. The instant I saw him, I realised that this was the person we were looking for. I soon approached Fahadh (Faasil) and Nazriya, who put me in touch with Naveen,” he recalls. The offer came as a surprise for Naveen who hadn’t thought of acting in films. He thought over it and finally agreed.
Tanvi was chosen from social media while they were hunting for a girl with Malayali looks. At the audition, she impressed the makers. “Soubin was cast long before Sudani from Nigeria and now, I feel more responsible as the expectations are high,” he laughs. The shooting will begin soon, covering several states as it is a road movie.
Guppy’s theatrical failure remains a pain for Johnpaul, but asked if he would be cautious about Ambily, he surprises by saying that he doesn’t want to make successful movie. “I don’t want to force anyone to come to theatres to watch the film. I just want people to say that I made a good movie. I am hopeful of a good output. If all goes well, Ambily will hit the screens by year end.”
