Living on the edge:

 
Living on the edge:



M. Padmakumar and T.A.Razack, director and scenarist of
`Parunthu,' explain why the film about a moneylender is
relevant.

Three musketeers: T.A.Razack, left, Mammootty and M. Padmakumar on the
sets of `Parunthu.'

"Of course, he is a ruthless money lender and brutal in his
dealings. But instead of highlighting the negative elements in his
character, I would say he is a realistic and practical man. He has his
own justification for his actions. Later, he realises that there is more
to life than money," says director M. Padmakumar about the lead
character in his forthcoming film `Parunthu,' played by
Mammootty.

T.A.Razack, scenarist of `Parunthu', was writing a script with a
character called `Theeppetti Chandran' in the lead when it had
to be postponed.

"It was a story about an autorickshaw driver. However, we decided to
consider the theme later as `Kangaroo' was announced with an
auto-driver as the hero. The story of the moneylender, whose business is
popularly referred to as `blade,' came next.

"Although not many are aware of the alarming extent to which the
business has grown, it is a fact that this kind of money lending has
even led to the framing of new economic principles. Families have been
ruined and relationships irreparably damaged by this business," says
Razack.

The scenarist's main character in `Parunthu' is a ruthless
moneylender called Purushu who will stop at nothing to get his money
back from loan defaulters. Purushu's nickname is `Parunthu.'
Malabar-based scripts

Razack says he is in love with the culture of Malabar and it is evident
in his stories. "I feel comfortable writing about the people who
live in Malabar. I had to shoulder many responsibilities at a young age
and had to deal with moneylenders myself. Usually, we approach a
moneylender as a last resort. Purushu often cautions those who approach
him about the consequences. The moneylender is always blamed, even when
those who owe him money fails to repay their debts in time.
`Parunthu' is relevant in these days when consumerism reigns
supreme; people spend beyond their earnings and finally, land in deep
trouble."

Padmakumar continues: "The story takes place in and around
Kozhikode, where there are several local money lenders who charge high
rates of interest. For instance, like certain private banks, these
moneylenders too whisk away vehicles, when the owners fail to pay back
the loans on time." Padmakumar's earlier films include
`Ammakkilikkoodu' , `Vargam' and `Vasthavam.'

He thinks that Mammootty has given a new look to the role; one that is
very different from his usual screen characters.

Dismissing rumours that there is a resemblance between the
Mohanlal-starrer `Madambi' and `Parunthu,' Padmakumar
says: "We have clarified this with the makers of `Madambi.'
The two characters bear no resemblance whatsoever."

Lakshmi Rai plays the female lead in the film. Her character, Rakhi, is
the daughter of a Gujarati businessman (Jagathy Sreekumar). The cast
includes Jayasurya, Cochin Haneefa and Jayan. `Parunthu' is
being produced by Howly Pottore under the banner of Dream Team
Productions.