Frankly speaking, after watching Adil Ibrahim play the perfect goof ball and prankster host in the reality show D 4 Dance, the audience were wondering if he could do justice to the role of Sadashivan fondly called Samovar Sadhu in the film Kappiri Thuruthu that demanded complete seriousness and a deep comprehension of the role to get into the skin of the character. The film is set against the musical backdrop of Fort Kochi in an era when the ghazal culture was at its glorious peak and also travels through the rich heritage and culture of the region while also exploring a beautiful love story. This film required Adil to transform from a youth to an old man. While the jury on the film is still out, there is no doubt that Adil has done a commendable job. It takes guts to take a leap from character roles to a lead role through a film that may not be commercial in the strict sense.
Adil states, “For an actor who started his career (only) recently, this role was a challenge and involved a huge responsibility which I wanted to take up. The six different looks from a young man to a middle aged to an elderly man definitely required changes in voice modulations and body language. This is a film set in the 1970’s and I could not be casual with the dialogues or the movie itself. I believe in subtle acting but here a little bit of drama was needed but I am so happy with the response from the audience.
From host to hero
“The kind of research and dedication the director and writer Saheer Ali has put in is immense and there is a beautiful message in it.” The film required Adil to dive deep into his emotional reservoirs to bring out the nuances and character of the era.
Currently busy with the shoot of the film Achayans, Adil explains that this role is a volte face from Kappiri Thuruthu. He says, “It is a complete family entertainer and total fun movie. In Achayans, I play the role of Eby Thotthathil who forms a trio with Jayaram and Unni Mukundan. I play a young politician and it is a family entertainer.”
Adil candidly says that acting in a frothy entertainer like Achayans has been a welcome change after the serious Kappiri Thuruthu. Adil mentions, “My character in KT has been tested severely in life through some harsh realities and obviously that heaviness clings to you somewhere. I badly wanted to do a light film and like a wish granted Achayans came to me.”
Before signing off, he says, “When I get calls saying I have performed well, it is the effort that I have put in that have produced results. There is no magic happening; the magic happens with the touch of God, your luck and timing.”
