With a Jayasurya film, generally, one expects a few laughs. But those heading for Kumbasaram – The Confession with such expectations are in for a surprise, says the director Aneesh Anwar. “This is one of Jayasurya’s intense performances….I’d go as far to say that it will be counted among one of his best.”
Kumbasaram – The Confession , due for release this Friday, deals with the tragedies that befall the family of an autorickshaw driver, Alby, essayed by Jayasurya. Honey Rose as Meera acts as his wife, while child actor Akash appears as their son, Jerry. “The film begins with Alby’s confession ( kumbasaram ); the subsequent action is based around this confession. The story goes back and forth.”
Aneesh’s last outing as director, Zachariyayude Garbhinikal , won him the Kerala State award (2013) for the best story and the special jury award for the best director, apart from getting Lal his best actor award (which he shared with Fahadh Faasil) and a special jury award for Sanusha. A former associate of directors such as Joshiy and Bhadran, he has also directed Mullamottum Munthirichaarum .
Of Kumbasaram , he says, it is a ‘family thriller’, which begins as usually and predictably as thrillers do before a twist and an unexpected resolution or end. The more Alby tries to solve the ‘problem’ he finds himself in and redeem himself, the deeper he gets entrenched in the problems. In the process, wittingly or unwittingly, these actions impact the lives of his son’s friends’ as happens with his family. The child actors include Gaurav Menon, Abhijeet and Gauri. “These characters are also serious, there is none of the cuteness or light-heartedness that usually comes with a regular children’s film. These kids have done a fantastic job as the script, which is serious, demanded.” Kumbasaram has been shot in Kochi.
This film will also be the comeback vehicle of actors Shahnawas and the National Award-winning Priyanka, he adds. In his last appearance, in Zachariyayude… , Shahnawas did a cameo but this time round his is a full-length role. The character is important to how the plot unravels; for the what-and-how of the script Aneesh says, “you’ll have to watch the film.” Vineeth, Tini Tom and Anju Aravind also star in the film.
Since the script demanded seriousness, Aneesh says, “The film has no space for comedy, there are no laughs. Even the songs are few – just one main song (a theme song of sorts) and 40-50-second song montages to explain the action.” He has written the script and the song. Cinematography is by Alby and music by Vishnu Mohan Sithara.
