Aparna Balamurali, Neeraj Madhav’s Sundari Gardens to be a direct OTT release, here’s where to watch the musical

Sundari Gardens is scripted and directed by debutant Charlie Davis

Neeraj Madhav and Aparna Balamurali from the poster of Sundari Gardens

National Award-winning actress Aparna Balamurali’s next Malayalam film, Sundari Gardens, will be a direct-to-OTT release. The makers of the movie along with its streaming platform took to social media, soon after Aparna was adjudged the Best Actress at the 68th National Film Awards, to make the announcement.

The movie, which is produced by Salim Ahamed, another National Award winner, is directed by debutant Charlie Davis. Sundari Gardens has Aparna essaying the role of a librarian named Sundari Sara Mathews.

Also read: Aparna Balamurali replaces Manju Warrier in Kaapa after latter cites scheduling conflicts with Ajith’s AK61

Neeraj Madhav, who plays the male protagonist in the film, will be seen as an English teacher in the movie, which is a full-fledged musical. In an earlier interview with OTTplay, the film’s director Charlie said that the movie is a love story that is shot as an authentic musical in the lines of similar Hollywood films.

Sundari Gardens has five songs composed by Alphons Joseph apart from the multiple musical numbers that are also featured in the movie. Apart from Aparna and Neeraj, the movie also has Binu Pappu, Vijayaraghavan, Sminu Sijo, Lakshmi Menon, Sruthy Suresh, Anagha Maria Varghese and Jude Anthany Joseph as part of its cast. Swaroop Philip and Sajit Unnikrishnan are its cinematographer and editor, respectively.

The movie’s OTT rights have been bought by Sony LIV, which is expected to release the film next month. Sundari Gardens was shot in Erattupetta, Pala and Wagamon.

Meanwhile, Aparna, who was last seen in Badhaai Do’s Tamil remake Veetla Vishesham, is currently shooting for Sudheesh Ramachandran’s Ini Utharam, which also has Kalabhavan Shajohn. The actress had also completed shooting for her portions for Luca director Arun Bose’s untitled film, which has Unni Mukundan as the male lead and is also produced by Salim Ahamed.

She will next join Shaji Kailas’ Kaapa. Aparna has replaced Manju Warrier, who had opted out of the film due to scheduling conflicts with Ajith Kumar’s #AK61. Kaapa also has Prithviraj Sukumaran, Asif Ali and Anna Ben.

Share