'Kaioppu' role close to my heart: Mammootty

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8 (IANS) Malayalam superstar Mammootty is excited about his new film "Kaioppu" (Signature), in which he plays a role close to his heart.

"This is a story that has never been told before. I consider the role close to my heart because it is unique," Mammootty, 54, told IANS.

"I play Balachandran who works as a clerk in a fertiliser company, is a bachelor and a voracious reader. He is working on a book but gets a writer's block," he said of his role.

The plot takes a turn when he gets to know a 12-year-old girl on the lookout for financial assistance for her ailment.

His concern for the girl, though he never sees her, is the film's main story. Also in the cast is Khushboo, who walks out of a bad marriage and into Balachandran's radar.

"There is not a single combination shot with her (Khushboo) and all the interaction we have is through the telephone after we establish contact afresh," said the three-times national award-winning actor.

What finally happens after Balachandran gets over the writer's block is the real suspense of the film.

Director Renjith said: "This story was on my mind for long and since I knew Mammootty's busy schedule, I just did not have the courage to ask if he had the dates.

"But when he heard the storyline, all he asked was how many days would the central character's shooting require. When I said just 10 days, he said 'done' and that was how I got him."

The shooting, in Kochi and Kozhikode, began last month and is likely to end Wednesday.

"The film is without any commercial ingredients, including lyrics. This is a down to earth film and I am fortunate that the entire crew of the film has cooperated with me in every aspect, including the remuneration part," added Renjith.

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