This is not an article about how dangerous and cruel cancer is, nor is it about how you can get rid of cancer or how you can avoid it. The dreaded ‘C’ word is capable of wreaking havoc and turning the world upside down of not just the patient but the family as well. Though we cannot say there is anything to be happy about when someone is diagnosed with cancer, we can certainly change our perspectives and look at how cancer has helped people to focus on the positives in their lives like family and not work, passion and not money. Here is something Audrey Allen had to say after she conquered her condition of Stage 1 breast cancer

My life today is all about my family

After dealing with cancer, you just never know what the end of the road is going to be, and one thing I’m so thankful for is my family. I don’t focus my life on work anymore. My whole life has truly changed. Instead of thinking about materialistic things or work, now I hold on really tight and spend as much time as possible with my parents, brothers, kids, and grandbabies.
I look forward to taking road trips to visit my kids and my grandbabies. In 2012, for example, my son and his wife had a new baby and I made a point of driving 17 hours to Missouri to be there when my grandbaby was born. I’m very thankful for my daughter and her children too. Having the opportunity to watch my grandbabies grow up, play and dance, and simply being able to visit them and hold them is amazing. My grandbabies are a very important part of my life. They bring me joy, and it’s been a blessing to have that opportunity to be there for them.

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Just like a conversational dialogue in the film Njangalude Nattil Oridavela, it is these kinds of life-threatening situations that change your perspective about how the world works, and who all are going to stick by you when you need them the most. Every single one of the survivors didn’t survive on their own. They have had the support and trust of someone who loved and cared for them.

When cancer is detected in a person, it not only changes the life of the patient but also the lives of the people who care about them. Emotions start flowing, the world seems to be ending and crumbling into pieces right in front of them. But, the will to survive and the support of the loved ones and the right treatment at the right time will help you conquer the world of cancer inside you.

It’s at these moments you realize all of us are same inside, the color, the region, the culture, the religion, it doesn’t matter anymore, because you know you are much more worth than a bunch of guidelines and divisions. Life is all about facing the hard struggles and reaching your absolute glory. Nothing can kill you until you let it and to quote a famous phrase, ‘What can’t kill you only makes you stronger’.

Text credits: Nikhil Wilson      Feature image

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Words by Suhas KM and Shilpa Ann Stanley     Featured image source: Justin Varghese, Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela

The tracks of Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela are already creating waves in the music charts. The song Enthavo, from the film is the chief favourite, with the melodious feel-good number being easy to catch on. FWD chats with the film’s music director Justin Varghese to get an insight into the making of the the film’s music.

Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela is your debut movie as music director. How did you get the offer?

Althaf Salim and I have many mutual friends. We used to meet in a friend’s studio often. Althaf used to always remain shut in a room, buried under books or watching movies. Gradually, we lost touch after some time. One day I got a call from one of my friends saying that Althaf was directing a film and wanted me to create the music for it. That’s how I got the opportunity to work in the film.

Tell us about your experience in Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela?

I always had a concept in my mind about how my first song should be. But this was something different from my league. My family and relatives used to taunt me about my music that there was always the touch of gospel music to it. So I wanted to break that feel. But when Althaf called me saying he needed the music of the film to have a devotional touch, I was initially disappointed.

Coming to the songs, Althaf wanted a romantic mood for the Enthaavo. So, initially the song was entirely romantic, but then later we added a fun element to it. This song is sung by Sooraj Snathosh. The second song Nanavere is sung by Tessa Chavara and Vipin Lal. Tessa is a student of class 11 and a member of the choir in a church that my friend visits, and so he suggested her to me. We had initially thought of Bombay Jayashri for this song but as we wanted a new voice, we chose Tessa.

I had all the freedom to choose the lyricist, that’s how Santhoshettan (Santhosh Varma) came into the scene. We are good friends and I really felt comfortable working with him. I got all the lyrics first in hand, and then I started working on its composition. I am glad that all the songs got a good reach.

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How did you end up in the world of music?

Since childhood I had a deep devoted passion towards music. After my schooling I joined the seminary. I wanted to become a priest and I also wanted to explore my passion for music. The seminary was a good platform for both. From there I started working on music. But slowly I dropped out from the seminary due to some reasons. Meanwhile, I came to know about a sound engineer called Henry in my native place. He was like a role model for me. He has worked under A R Rahman. But I concentrated on my studies more and I left for Arunachal Pradesh where I worked as a teacher for a short period. Finally, I had to drop that and I came home because of the passion that I had towards music and sound engineering. I took a loan and studied sound engineering, which gave a breakthrough to my career.

What was the response you received or the best compliments that you got for the songs you composed for Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela?

I got very good feedback for all the songs. Surprisingly, Sachin Warrier and Veetraag called me and congratulated me for my work, which boosted my confidence and it was also the best praise that I have received.

How was it working with Nivin Pauly as an actor and producer?

As a producer, Nivin gave me a lot of freedom to choose the lyricist and the singers. He used to give me suggestions about the songs which turned out to be very helpful.

You have been working with music director Bijibal for eight years. What are the lessons you have learnt from him?

It was music director Afsal Yusuf who introduced me to Biji ettan and it has been eight years since I’ve been working with him. Words are not enough to express my gratitude to him. He has influenced me a lot in my life. He used to correct me when I did something wrong. He is against the use of plastic, and would forbid me from bringing it in any form inside the studio. This habit caught onto me and I started following it at home as well. I followed his teachings in several ways, to the point where if I didn’t do something, I was asked if it was because Biji ettan didn’t do it. He has always stood beside me as a guide.

For my debut movie Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela, Biji ettan gave me one of his studios just for me to get onto the track and for the entire music production. I had not disclosed to anyone about this offer when I received it, but Bijiettan used to introduce me to everyone as the music director for Njandukal, which was quite humbling. Music should always complement a film, and not dominate it, is the lesson Biji ettan has taught me.

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How was your entry into the movie industry?

I met Afsal ikka after finishing sound engineering. He introduced me to the rest of the music directors of Malayalam movie industry. My initial work was with Gopi Sundar as a programmer. Thus, I began my journey in the Malayalam film industry.

What are your thoughts on the current scenario where social media is filled with music apps like Smule, Musically, etc.?

Personally, I really support these music apps because it gives an excellent platform for everyone to display their singing talents. Earlier, people had to go to a music recording studio to send a demo, but now the process has become very easy because of all these apps.

What genre of movies do you prefer to work with?

I don’t mind working for any kind of movies. But, I wish to work for an action thriller movie.

What are your future projects?

As of now I haven’t signed any other projects.

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Words by Suhas KM and Charishma Thankappan  Photo credits: Facebook

Do you remember the lanky school boy who is Mary’s friend in Premam? Though he made his appearance for a brief while in the film, his presence was noteworthy. Althaf Salim has grown from that skinny boy who no one knew, to don the director’s cap in the newly released film Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela. In an exclusive interview with FWD, he talks about his experience as a debutant director, and his journey into the industry.

Tell us the process behind the birth of Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela?

Cinema has always been my passion. I had this story in mind since long and wanted to make a film out of it. The film is on the topic of cancer, and I conducted some research for it. George Kora, who has acted in this film as Mathew, and was also seen in Premam, is a friend of mine. I approached him to co-write the script. The story went through several processes of rewriting, and the final product is a result of the eighth attempt. There was a lot more comedy in the script initially, but then we felt that that would mitigate the seriousness of the subject, whereas we wanted to keep a balance of humour and earnestness.

What made you approach the theme of Cancer in a comical way?

It is a common notion among the general public that cancer is deadly disease which means an assured death. So there is a stigma associated with the illness where those suffering from it are looked at with pity and sympathy. In my researches, I found that the ailment is curable if detected at an early stage, and this is a fact that is still unknown largely. So I wanted to spread the message of timely medication and a change of attitude towards those detected with the affliction. Also, as the filmmaker in me prefers doing comedy films, I wanted the treatment to be in an amusing fashion, as against the morose handling that the subject is generally met with. So, I wanted to show that a sombre subject such as cancer can be shown in a lighter vein.

How did you rope in Nivin Pauly as actor and producer for this film?

I narrated the plot of this film to the director Alphonse Puthren, who is a mutual friend of Nivin and me. He suggested that I relate the story to Nivin, and that’s when I approached him. This was at the time when Nivin was shooting for Bangalore Days. As soon as he heard the narrative, he said he wanted to produce the film. He was thus, a natural choice for the role as well.

Nivin was not a big star at the time of Bangalore Days when you approached him at first for the film, but his stature is at par with the top actors of south Indian cinema today, at the time of Njandukalude… release. Was there pressure on you because of the transition?

Nivin never had any pressure on himself, and because of that, I was also stress-free. In any case, one can never afford to be bogged down by an actor’s star status. One has to give importance to the story itself. So that is the attitude I carry in my work.

Tell us about the choice of Shanthi Krishna for the role of Sheela Chacko.

I did not have any particular actor in mind for the character of Sheela Chacko while writing the story. I came across an interview of hers on TV, and that’s when it struck me that she could be a great choice. The character is a strong woman who is able to hold the entire family together in a crisis situation. As Shanthi ma’am has always been seen in melodramatic roles in the past, I thought this character would be great to break that image. When I told her the story, she did not have any second thoughts while accepting the role. Now the film is garnering great appreciation for her performance and I am glad I made the right choice while casting.

What is the story behind the choice of the title?

I came across a book by the same title by the author Chadramathi, which is a memoir of her days battling cancer. I thought that as my film also deals with the same subject, it would be an apt name. So I took permission from her to borrow the title. It is mentioned in the credits of the film.

Generally, everyone enters the industry in the directorial role after assisting big names. But you have made your way up without the guidance of anyone. Tell us more about it.

It was a deliberate decision to not assist any director because I was afraid that I would be influenced by them and their methods in my work. Also, as assistant director, one has to do a lot of odd jobs and running around, which I am too lazy to do, so didn’t want to be the cause of failure in their projects!

I have learned movie making after watching a lot of films – I watch at least two movies every day. I watch all kinds of films; it’s what makes me happy the most. Movies have the capacity to transport you into another world.

Who are your favourite filmmakers?

I admire Jim Sheridan and Alexander Payne in Hollywood, and Sreenivasan in Malayalam films.

How did you choose acting amidst it all?

Alphonse told me that he had a role for me in the film Premam. It was not an offer but an order! I read the script and saw that anyway the character Jahangir had just a few lines, and as the crew was my friends, I went ahead and did it. That was my first time in acting. After that, I got to full-length role in Sakhavu. Now, I have signed a new project called Mandakini, directed by debutant Jenith Kachappilly.

In Njandukal… you have directed two directors – Lal and Dileesh Pothen. How was the experience?

I shot with Lal and Dileesh from the first day, first shot itself, which I see as a great fortune. Lal sir used to give his suggestions for certain takes. I could not spend much time with Dileeshettan as he had a small role in the film. Besides, he was busy with the shoot of Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum.

How did you settle upon the casting for the film?

Nivin was the first to be cast. Though I didn’t have anyone in mind for the character of Chacko while thinking of the story; I was particular that Lal sir should play the character when I started writing the dialogues. His look in the film is different from how he is usually seen, as we made him wear cotton shirts in a tucked in manner. For the role of Chaachan, I wanted someone who would look realistic, as I didn’t want to use makeup. So I approached Antony Kochi. I asked him not to cut his hair for the look. The other actors – Sharafauddin, Krishna Shankar, and Siju Wilson are my friends, and I wanted to include them in some way in my film. Their roles in the film are also such that bring out their true talent. Aishwarya Lekshmi was chosen after auditioning for the role.

Why did you choose first timers such as Justin Varghese and Mukesh Muraleedharan for music direction and cinematography, when you could have had any leading names for the same, considering it is Nivin’s production?

Justin and Mukesh are my friends. Being a debutant director, I thought it was best to approach people who know me and my interest in films, rather than explaining myself to others. Also, both are equally talented. Justin has kept the background music very minimal, which is in sync with the performances of the actors.

What kind of films can viewers expect from Althaf in future?

You can expect all kinds of films from me. As I lay emphasis on humour, it will be a recurring element in all my films, except if the subject does not demand it.

Aishwarya Lekshmi addresses her debut with Nivin Pauly – Interview Video

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