Filmmaker Rahul Riji Nair fondly recalled the journey of his debut directorial venture, “Ottamuri Velicham,” marking its seventh anniversary since its announcement. Nair, now recognized as one of the burgeoning talents in the Malayalam film industry, shared insights into the challenges he encountered during the release of his inaugural film.
In an Instagram post, Nair reflected on May 13, 2017, when he unveiled “Ottamuri Velicham” as his maiden project, serving as its writer, producer, and director. Despite the announcement, Nair revealed that apart from his family and a handful of friends, the response was largely indifferent.
He disclosed the setback faced just two days post-announcement, as a major investor withdrew support, necessitating additional funding to proceed with the scheduled shooting. Despite discouragement about the film’s prospects as an indie production, Nair remained determined to realize his vision, even if it meant personal financial strain.
Seven years and five feature films later, Nair admitted that the challenges persist, acknowledging the ongoing struggle to bring his cinematic endeavors to fruition. However, he affirmed his commitment to continue pursuing projects that inspire fear yet yield profound joy.
Nair shared a poignant moment from his journey, recalling the emotional reaction of his father upon learning of “Ottamuri Velicham” winning accolades at the Kerala State Film Awards. The film’s success exceeded Nair’s expectations, proving both commercially viable and artistically fulfilling. He expressed gratitude to those who supported and believed in him throughout the filmmaking process.
“Ottamuri Velicham,” featuring Deepak Parambol and Vinitha Koshy, clinched four Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Film, Best Editor, Best Character Actress, and a Special Jury Award. The film continues to resonate with audiences, now available for streaming on Jio Cinema.
In related news, Akhil Sathyan’s upcoming project is set to star Nivin Pauly.
