Odiyan tales retold

Never in his wildest dreams did National Award-winning scriptwriter Harikrishnan think that he would get such a huge technical team or mammoth budget to back his script which he had been working on for years. Claimed as the most expensive movie in Mollywood, Odiyan, starring Mohanlal, Manju Warrier and Prakash Raj, will be directed by V.A. Shrikumar Menon and produced by Aashirvad Films.

The premise of the film is the myth of the first contract killers of Kerala called the ‘Odiyans’ who had the ability to change forms and shapes. Growing up in Palakkad, Harikrishnan had listened to the elders in his family speaking about Odiyans.  He says, “When we went out at night, our grandmother used to scare us that there will be Odiyans out there. Odiyans were known to don a dark blanket and could shape shift, but my story is more than just myths; I have woven a proper story out of these myths.” Mohanlal, he says, liked the shape shifting aspect of the lead which prompted him to sign up for the film.

Even while penning the script, Harikrishnan had wanted Mohanlal as the lead and now his dream is turning into reality. Revealing that the period movie is set in Palakkad, he says, “The story starts in the 50’s, moves to the present and is told in a series of flashbacks.” The period change is also reflected in the characters, who sport five to six getups along with the time frames.

Harikrishnan has complete faith in Shrikumar who has got complete control over his concept. “I believe he has the magic touch to pull it through.” The film is slated to go on the floors on May 25 and the shoot will happen at Palakkad, Benares and Hyderabad. Almost 40 percent of the budget will be spent on visual effects.