'My film will ease Indo-Pakistan relations'

Kozhikode (Kerala), June 22 (IANS) Noted poet and musician Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri says his debut Malayalam movie "Mazhavillinnattamvare", starring cricketer S. Sreesanth, will soothe India-Pakistan relations.

"The passion for cricket transcends boundaries and I am certain that the film's message is loud and clear that if two people have laptops, they can interact without the permission of any government, Namboothiri told IANS.

The shooting of the movie is over and only the post-production remains before it hits the theatres in August.

"The world is one family and after going through the rushes of the film, I am delighted to say that the message of the film would certainly ease the relations between Indian and Pakistan," Namboothiri maintained.

He is in talks with the Indian government, especially Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed, to dub "Mazhavillinnattamvare" in Urdu.

"I am quite positive I will be able to get it dubbed in Urdu and this is essentially meant for release in Pakistan," added the acclaimed musician-turned-director who has written the lyrics for some 300 Malayalam films.

The star cast includes Abbas Hassan, a London-based popular Pakistani musician whose passion is cricket. The others in the cast include Archana Kavi and former India greats like Syed Kirmani and Robin Singh.

The lead character is a Pakistan cricketer who arrives as a bowling coach at a cricket academy in Kerala searching for his roots.

Nampoothiri apart from directing the film has also penned the story, dialogues and lyrics for the six songs in the movie.

"The budget has crossed Rs.2 crore. Who does not know that without superstars, the box office returns will be poor so I am now finalising a contract with advertisers to do in-film advertisements, which is permissible up to eight minutes. This would bring in some revenue. My aim is not to reap a fortune, but would be more than happy if I break even," said Nampoothiri.

Initially, controversial fast bowler Mohammed Asif who finalised for the lead role, but he was dropped following allegations of match fixing and Hassan was roped in.

The six songs are composed by Nampoothiri's son Deepankuran, who debuts as a music director with the movie.

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Mazhavillinattam Vare