When Prithvi and Miya got five shades darker

The shoot of the film Anarkali was not something its actors would forget in the near future.
The film was shot in Lakshadweep, and under extreme weather conditions. “The heat was terrible, and we shot at temperatures going up to 55 degrees for 40 days. By the end of the schedule, we all turned five shades darker,” says Miya, who plays a significant character in the film, along with Prithviraj, Indrajith, Biju Menon and Priyal Gor.The actress adds that the ferry trips between the islands were the most challenging ones. “We had to shoot even when the seas turned rough and the boats were swaying dangerously. At times we panicked so much that we forgot to act. But viewers will get to know Lakshadweep inside out on watching the film,” she says.
Interestingly, a Malayalam film is being shot in the Kavaratti island after decades, the last one being Ramu Karyat’s Dweepu, say the makers. Says Arun, a crew member, “There is a reason for that, there are no good facilities or hotels. Because of the heat, all the shops close at 11. 30 am and open only at 5 in the evening. The actors had to stay in two houses.” However, the team chose this time of the year for the shoot, because the corals change colour during the monsoons, he adds.
He recalls that a Malayalam film shoot was very fascinating for the locals and so they were very excited to take part in the shoot. “We had to shoot a Mappila song which required crowds. The locals not only volunteered but also patiently sat through the shoot which went on till 2 am at times, wearing the same costumes every day so as not to ruin the continuity.”