Laptop is a Multilayered Film: Rupesh Paul

Rupesh Paul is basically a journalist and a writer. He has been working with many leading Malayalam journals and has written a few books as well. And now, this young scribe is making his foray into another realm of creativity, namely filmmaking. With Laptop, which has Suresh Gopi, Shwetha Menon and Padmapriya in key roles, Rupesh Paul makes his debut into filmdom. His intention is to make films that are meaningful and relevant. Laptop is almost finished and he is now involved with the post-production activities.

Here's Rupesh Paul opening up to Nowrunning.com about his debut directorial venture.

Q: Tell us about the theme of Laptop?

The film is about an unwed mother and her son. The son, named Ravi, leaves home and wanders afar, becoming a successful theatre artist in the course of time. And then, thirty years later he returns, seeking his mother. But she is on her death-bed, in a coma. After this the story takes a turn. Ravi's personal tragedy is set against the background of a Special Economic Zone that would leave thousands of people displaced. The film also tackles many issues including the numbness that has crept into human relationships.

Q: So, Laptop could very well be called a multilayered film?

Certainly. Laptop is a multilayered film in the sense that it tackles different issues with the present-day world as the backdrop.

Q: What about the title? You have given the title in English as My Mother's Laptop.

The title itself is an indication of the basic themes discussed in the film. While a laptop is indicative of the new era with all kinds of technological advancements, the title My Mother's Laptop is indicative of the warmth and love that a mother has for her children. It's indicative of a mother's lap, where children begin their lives.

Q: So, how did Laptop happen?

I had always wanted to be a filmmaker. Journalism was just a step towards realizing that dream. It was another film that I had planned for, a big-budget one based on a period subject. But it was getting delayed and in the meantime this thing came up. It's a story penned by my friend and writer-cum-journalist Subhash Chandran. I had it in my mind for a long time. But I had my doubts about getting someone from Kerala willing to stake the money, especially because it is not the usual kind of box-office movie. Then I got a good producer and that's how the film happened. My wife Indu Menon, who is a writer as well, has done the script.

Q: Could you tell us more about the producer?

E.A. Joseprakash is not your usual kind of producer. All he told me was that I needn't compromise on anything or depend on anyone else. He gave me utmost freedom to do the kind of movie that I wanted to make and declared wholeheartedly that he was ready to accept any losses that the film may incur, if it fails to click.

Q: What about the lead artists and their characters?

It's Suresh Gopi who plays the role of Ravi. It's yet another facet of the actor that gets revealed through this film. He appears in a totally different get-up in the film. And Shwetha Menon plays Ravi's mother. She has to play two different stages in the character's life and this character would no doubt be very different from any character that she has done till date. It will be a total departure from the glamorous image that she currently has.

Q: What about Padmapriya?

Padmapriya is playing Payal, a North Indian girl, who is a member of Ravi's troupe. She shares a very different kind of relationship with Ravi and wants to join him on his trip home when he travels to Kerala to meet his mother after thirty long years. It's a sensitive character and she has done it excellently. She is an actress who has already proved herself.

Q: Do you think such a film would do well at the box office?

It would be loved by all who in their heart of hearts cherish goodness and love. We are already getting offers from abroad, so marketing the film may not be a big problem. We also plan to do the festival circuits. The premiere itself is being planned in that manner. We have already sold the satellite rights. It doesn't mean that the film won't get a theatre release. We are in fact planning a theatre release in May with 45 prints. The release would be done by Kichu Films.

Q: What are your future plans?

I want to do more films, all different and meaningful ones, rooted in our culture, our social atmosphere.

Q: Well, all the best!

Thanks

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My Mother's Laptop