One step closer to his dream

For Suraj Jay Menon, the goal is to direct a full-length movie. A PR professional, his short film Ariyatha Utharam is getting very good response from viewers. “The short film serves as a portfolio for my future film career,” says the talented youngster. He is also its scriptwriter. Movies have always been the passion and ultimate aim of Suraj, an engineering graduate. He had worked in various areas in the film industry before taking the short film. Besides, he worked as an associate director, actor and scriptwriter for various short films.

Suraj had the thread of Ariyatha Utharam on his mind a few years ago, which he attempted to develop into a full-length movie first, but later made a short film. “The short film cannot be categorised into any particular genre. It starts with humour and gradually becomes serious in tone. It has a romantic nature, too,” says Suraj. The film is all about three friends — Aravind, Shanu and Riya — who are caught up in a web of friendship and love. Whether love or friendship is more important, forms the crux of the short film. The title Ariyatha Utharam, which means unknown answer, is an answer to this. “The theme is just an ordinary one and there is nothing particular about it,” adds Suraj.

Poster of the short film

The director says he has not made any compromises, especially on the technical side, while making the film. “It was made just like a commercial movie. Though all aspects were taken care of, we were very meticulous about postproduction works,” explains the director. Suraj himself appeared in a guest role in the film. All the characters, except Adv Jayaprakash, are new faces.

The 20-minute-long film was mainly shot in locations such as Kochi Metro, Oberon Mall and Nedumbassery airport. It was completed in three days, just two weeks before the floods hit Kerala. The film was co-directed by his friend Krishna Gopal. Camera and editing works were done by Nithin K. Udayan.

Poster launch of the short film was done by film actor Aju Varghese. “The movie was launched on Aju’s Facebook page, which helped us reach the audience,” says Suraj. Director Sugeeth, Govind Padmasoorya and many other celebrities have appreciated him for his debut short film.