P.K. Sajeev and wife Anne tasted success after producing director Blessy’s romantic drama Pranayam. It was their first at production. They now return with their second venture — a Malayalam-Tamil film titled Kinar and Keni respectively. M.A Nishad, known for social dramas Pagal, Vairam and Nagaram, has directed this film, which is again a story on a social issue.
Sajeev is the managing director of a contracting company in Dubai. Anne, a medical microbiologist, worked in the UAE government’s health department before quitting to assist Sajeev in his hospitality business in Kerala.
Cinema is their common love. Sajeev wished to produce films someday. Pranayam fulfilled this dream after they met director Blessy through a common friend.
“We believe that films are stress busters from our monotony,” Anne said.
“Bhramaram and Kaazhcha [Blessy’s two films] left viewers with a heavy heart. We were clear that Blessy’s new story must end on a positive note. Even today people talk fondly about Pranayam. From a 90-year-old retired doctor to youngsters, everyone connected well with Pranayam,” she added.
Kinar found its genesis during a flight when Sajeev met his college junior Nishad. Nishad’s story is about water politics and is set along the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. Kinar reveals two contrasting situations — on one side of the border water is wasted and on the other side people struggle without water.
Jayaprada plays an ordinary homemaker who works for the welfare of people. The ensemble cast comprises of Parthiban, Anu Hasan, Rekha, Revathy, Joy Mathews, Nasser, Pasupathi and Archana.
“While making the film in Malayalam, we thought why not film it in Tamil too,” said Anne, who learnt the ropes of filmmaking as Nishad’s associate director.
Anne listens to a story every week, sometimes even two.
“We believe in making films that will make an impact on viewers,” she said.
Anne, an aspiring director, is also writing her own script.
Kinar released in Kerala on February 23. Keni will release next.
