Pakalum Paathiravum director Ajai Vasudev: Despite criticism, I think ‘mass’ films are here to stay

Ajai Vasudev’s next release is a marked departure from the films he usually does. The director, known for his ‘mass’ films, is entering new territory with Pakalum Paathiravum, a thriller starring Kunchacko Boban and Rajisha Vijayan in lead roles. The director recently opened up about his love for ‘mass’ films.

In conversation with Asianet News, Ajai spoke of how different directors had different filmmaking styles according to their likes and preferences. “Personally, what I like most are ‘mass’ films, be it watching them or making them. So it's only natural that I try to stick to them as much as possible. Even if I do make other kinds of films, I’m not sure if I will be able to make them in the same way as I would my ‘mass’ films, since the former has been done brilliantly by many filmmakers. So I don't know how successful I might be if I suddenly change the tried and tested pattern I have been following”.

Ajai believed that commercial and mass films had their place in the industry, and that they should exist alongside the other kinds of films as well. He went on to talk about how there are still a lot of people from the audience, even outside the country, who anxiously await the release of films on the big screen, even with the advent of OTT. “Mass films are here to stay, despite the criticisms which have been levied against them, which is not a new thing”, he said.

The upcoming film marks Ajai’s first directorial with Kunchacko and Rajisha. Seetha, Guru Somasundaram and Manoj KU also star in the film, written by Nishad Koya.

Pakalum Paathiravum will hit the silver screens on March 3, 2023. After its theatrical run, the film will be available for streaming on ZEE5.