Appearances can be deceptive.
Who would have thought that the boyish looking actor who accompanied Mary to school in Nivin Pauly’s Premam, would be ready with his first directorial venture two years later?
Althaf Salim surprised us in his second film Sakhavu, where he kept the laughs rolling as Pauly’s side-kick, However, it still it did not prepare us for the hidden director within.
With Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela, director Salim has arrived. This family drama is unanimously being celebrated at the box office.
It’s about the Chacko family comprising of two daughters and a son, who are confronted with a grave issue and how they adapt to the situation, said Salim.
Shanthi Krishna returns in a pivotal role and is paired opposite Lal Sr.
“Shanthi Krishna is exploring something different,” added the self-taught filmmaker. “Her role is far cry from the sentimental characters of her earlier films.”
Salim, an engineering graduate, knew his heart lay in cinema. Whetting his appetite was close buddy and director Alphonse Puthran. Puthran cast him in Premam.
When Salim narrated his story to him, Puthran asked him to meet Nivin Pauly. Pauly took on the production and Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela got rolling.
Salim is overwhelmed with the response. Some people from the Hindi and Telugu industry are interested in the remake rights of the film.
“We have not decided on it yet,” said Salim, who will next play a role in Malayalam film Mandakini, directed by Jenith Kachappilly.
