Living up to the legacy

ANANTHA PADMANABHAN, THE son of late P Padmarajan, Malayalam cinema’s legendary story teller and director, makes his debut as scriptwriter in this week’s Kerala release August Club.

Directed by K.B. Venu, the film is much awaited by the discerning viewers, more so to see if the youngster lives up to his dad’s illustrious legacy.

Anantha Padmanabhan is no stranger to the world of letters. He is an accomplished writer, and August Club is based on his novelette Venalinte Kalaneekkangal. The film stars Murali Gopy (right) and Rima Kallingal (left) in the lead roles, and is the story of a group of people, who are members of a friendship club.

Murali says his role is a departure from the negative characters he has played in the recent past in Thaappana and Ee Adutha Kaalathu.

Currently, also completing his film Left Right Left, directed by Arun Kumar, and acting in Kanyaka Talkies, the actor says August Club will be a refreshing experience; it indeed was for him, as he played the “whitest character in my career so far.”

For Rima, the film will be another defining role, although the award-winning actress has once again found herself in the bad books of the state’s Film Chamber, for appearing on television shows despite their warning.

Meanwhile, August Club’s songs by Benett and Veet Raag, the duo who delivered soul-stirring music for films including Gadhama, has found strong following on-line.

And for all who love Thilakan, the film has the veteran actor, who passed away last year, in a cameo.