Exclusive! Vijay Sethupathi, Nithya Menen aren’t cast as conventional hero-heroine pair in 19(1)(a): Indhu VS

The wait for the release for Indhu VS’ debut directorial 19(1)(a), starring Nithya Menen and Vijay Sethupathi, has been long, but considering the attention Malayalam cinema has got in the past two years along with its lead stars’ latest projects, the delay could well prove to be an advantage.

The movie, which went on floors in November 2020 and wrapped up its post-production by mid 2021, is finally gearing up for release, and the makers dropped its first look poster featuring the protagonists on Wednesday.

In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, Indhu tells us about the much-anticipated movie, which will mark Vikram star Sethupathi’s second Malayalam venture. “Both Nithya and Sethupathi haven’t been cast in a way synonymous with the usual pairing of lead stars. They aren’t presented in this film as the conventional hero and heroine, but the story travels through their characters. So, I am hoping there would be that interest to watch them in a movie like that,” says the debutant filmmaker, who had previously worked with Salim Ahammed in his award-winning films such as Adaminte Makan Abu and Pathemari.

Further on the movie, she says that though it has several genres, 19(1)(a) is “essentially a political drama” that evolves between a select set of characters. Apart from the lead duo, the film also has Indrajith Sukumaran, Deepak Parambol, Srikanth Murali, Athulya, Bhagath Manuel and Indrans, who will be seen in an extended cameo.

In an earlier interview with us, Indhu had said that the movie has a pan-Indian content. Ask her how Malayalam cinema’s widespread appeal post pandemic now gives more meaning to the film’s delayed release and she says, “Our films have always been appreciated but after the OTT boom, it has got a wider reach. At the same time, the word pan-Indian has been misused. I don’t agree with the thought that if a film has a big star cast and is made on a big budget, then it becomes a pan-Indian movie. But if a film’s content, in spite of wherever it is placed, can connect to people anywhere, then it assumes a pan-Indian significance. But the reach is definitely a benefit for this film.”

Though the actors had completed their work last year, Indhu says that she has been constantly updating them about the status of the film. “Both of them have been curious about the release of the movie, its processes and why it has been delayed. They are excited every time I send them the posters. Also, Nithya has been a strong pillar of support. We talk about the movie every fortnight and she kept pushing me,” concludes the filmmaker.