The new Prithviraj starrer discusses some serious societal concerns

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Prithviraj, Maniyanpillai Raju and Anoop Menon in a scene from Pavada.
Prithviraj, Maniyanpillai Raju and Anoop Menon in a scene from Pavada.

The hopes were also high because the film followed the stupendous succeof Prithviraj's Amar Akbar Anthony and Ennu Ninte Moideen.

By Deepa Gauri

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Published: Wed 10 Feb 2016, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Thu 11 Feb 2016, 8:49 AM

THE BUZZ FOR Pavada had been tremendous; YouTube trailers of Prithviraj playing an alcoholic, actor Jayasurya crooning a song for the movie, and its producer Maniyanpillai Raju stating that it was the fourth script that Prithviraj chose raised expectations.
The hopes were also high because the film followed the stupendous succeof Prithviraj's Amar Akbar Anthony and Ennu Ninte Moideen. The film did not let down audiences, and after securing box-office gold - the first film of the year to mint money - Pavada is now playing at theatres in the UAE.
Prithviraj says that he chose the film for its script, despite the role being that of an alcoholic. "For me it is another character, but the exercise remains the same. I discuss with my director and writer, and we arrive at a mutual consensus (on how to perform the role)."
He also rubbished rumours that he corrected the script. "No, I did not. The movie you see now is the fourth script that was landed on. They brought three other scripts that the producer and director liked. Just because I did not like them, they decided not to go ahead with it. They understood where I came from."
Prithviraj plays Pampu Joy, the name derived from his undiscerning drinking habits. However, the film's title derives its name from the character Pavada Babu, played by Anoop Menon, who too is an alcoholic. A chance encounter between the two changes their lives irrevocably taking viewers also through a painful flashback, and a plot point that is relevant even today.
Asha Sharath plays a central role, which Raju said was earlier offered to Shobhana. In an interview with City Times last year, Shobhana had laughed away reports of her being in Pavada, saying, "I don't know where all these news come from."
However, the big winner from the success of Pavada is its director G Marthandan. An unassuming man, he had two films to his credit - both with Mammootty. While the debut Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus earned decent acclaim, his next Acha Din was a washout.
The success of Pavada, no doubt, has lifted his spirits. Taking full responsibility for Acha Din, he says he was heartbroken after the film bombed but adds that he learnt several lessons which helped him as a person and a professional.
Giving full credit for Pavada's success to the film's script by Bipin Chandran, Marthandan says that Prithviraj was impressed by the character as soon as the script was narrated, and terms Pampu Joy as one of the career-best performances by the actor.
This weekend, if you are up for some good fun and an emotional journey - both in one movie - Pavada offers you an interesting getaway. The film also stars Murali Gopy, Miya George and Sharafudheen, among others.


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