Padayottam, the Biju Menon-starrer directed by Rafeek Ibrahim, which is slated as an Onam release has already attracted people with its intriguing stills and amusing trailer. The gangster-comedy movie that deals with the journey of three friends and one goon from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod also has an array of newcomers in it. Anand Radhakrishnan, a youngster from Thiruvananthapuram, is all set to make an impact on screen with a key character in the movie.
For Anand, Padayottam has been a complete learning experience as he also dons the role of assistant director in the movie. “I play the role of a Fort Kochi guy named Dominic. He is the one who aids Chenkal Raghu (Biju Menon’s character) and the other three when they reach Kochi. Some of the key portions of the movie take place in Kochi. I’m so happy to be part of such a team,” says Anand, about the movie.
He had played a small role in the 2017-movie Himalayathile Kashmalan. He is also a graduate in Direction and Screenplay Writing from Revathy Kalamandir Film Academy.. It was his friend’s sister Meera who shared with him the post for the audition. She urged him to chip in for the audition, which was meant for the characters based in Thiruvananthapuram.
“Even though I auditioned for a Thiruvananthapuram character, they also made me talk in the Kochi slang. Luckily, they found me okay and Dominic came to me. The character is a key part in the Kochi portions. The movie actually gave me a double bonanza. After the audition, I also asked them for a chance to be the assistant director of the movie so that I could be there throughout the process. I’ll always be obliged to Rafeek chettan for entrusting me with both the roles,” he adds.
He thanks the team members for helping him in executing both the roles well. “It was never an easy job. The acting process got easy as I was part of the movie from the beginning. I thank the creative director, associate directors, assistant directors and the scriptwriters for helping me find a balance between these two jobs.” Anand finds it fortunate to have worked with artistes like Biju Menon, Dileesh Pothan, Saiju Kurup, Sudhi Koppa, etc. “It’s very fortunate to share the screen space with such talented artistes. They were so helpful and I learned a lot from them. When Dileesh Pothan gives us tips to perform well, what more can we ask for?” he wraps up.
