Pakalum Paathiraavum director Ajai Vasudev: Kunchacko Boban, Rajisha Vijayan’s love for the script gave me confidence

Ajai Vasudev is all set for the release of his next directorial, Pakalum Paathiraavum, which will see him collaborate with Kunchacko Boban and Rajisha Vijayan for the first time. The film, which is an adaptation of NN Pillai’s play Dam, stands apart from most of Ajai’s previous work. The director recently opened up about how he came on board for the film.

In conversation with Asianet News, Ajai spoke of how he had loved the film’s intense script, written by Nishad Koya, which was different from the kind of films that were written until that point. The writer had already talked to Kunchacko earlier, and the actor had loved the script and subject as well. Ajai had come on board for the film after Kunchacko said yes.

Writer Nishad had worked with Kunchacko before, on films like Ordinary and Shikkari Shambu. Although the duo were ready to start work on the film earlier, it had been stalled due to various issues. After the issues had been sorted out, the film’s producer Gokulam Gopalan had been approached and Ajai had come on board post that.

Ajai revealed that he had worked on Kunchacko’s films like Lollipop and Mallu Singh, when the former was an assistant director, and knew the actor personally. But the upcoming film marked his first collaboration with Rajisha. Ajai knew very well that Kunchacko and Rajisha always chose impeccable films to do. “The fact that both Kunchacko and Rajisha loved the film gave me the confidence that I was on the right track”, he said.

The director also opened up about his experience directing the duo. At one point, he had become nervous when Kunchacko did not say much when they were shooting. It was only after analysing the shots did Ajai realise that the reason Kunchacko was silent was because he had understood exactly what was to be done and was in full focus.

Pakalum Paathiraavum will be released in theatres on March 3, 2023.