 Apart from many bonanzas from Mother Nature, Kerala is known for its elephants. In fact, they are as much part of the cultural landscape as says rivers, Katahkali and Mohiniattam are.
While other aspects of Kerala have found their way into films, elephants have not been celebrated on screen. This may seem a touch unfair. But this may be due to the fact that directors have not been able be incorporate the jumbos into their script.
But Jeyarj seems to have managed that.
His Aanachandam is all about jumbo issues. The film talks of two individuals whose lives are intertwined with elephants in different ways.
The film revolves around Anirudhan and Krishna Parasad. The former loves elephants very much. His love for the pachyderm is, umm, elephantine. But Krishna Prasad, who owns many elephants, has no real love for them. He uses them to make money.
Anirudhan struggles in life to be a success. But despite how own problems, he accommodates others in his life. His love for elephants began at a young age, and with reason.
Director Jeyaraj, who is a master storyteller, weaves a wonderful and tender family tale that talks of emotions and values.
Jayaram plays the role of Anirudhan. And who is better qualified to play the character than him? He owns an elephant and really takes care of them very well in real life too.
Sai Kumar plays the role of Krishna Prasad. There is a huge list of artistes who add meaning to the proceedings. Ramya Nambisan makes a switchover from television to movies through this.
Sreenivasan, Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Innocent, Captain Raju, Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, KPAC Lalitha are also in the cast.
Jayaram, says the director, has given a heart-warming performance.
Jeyaraj has managed to tell a tender tale of family sentiments and human values.
The film has been shot at places like Ottappalam, Guruvayoor and Cherplassery
The film is set for release during Onam.
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