Interview | Malayalam filmmaker Dinjith Ayyathan: I had manifested the success of ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’

Dinjith Ayyathan has been in interviews for over a week now. With appreciation coming from all parties for his film Kishkindha Kaandamhis happiness knows no bounds.

“I have realized the success of the film to a degree that might be ambitious for others. However, we are confident about the product and I am confident about making a mark as a filmmaker,” said Dinjith.

Narrative layers and gripping from Kishkindha Kaandam, a slow-paced thriller, delves into the lives of Appu Pillai (Vijayaraghavan), a grumpy retired army officer, his son Ajay Chandran (Asif Ali), a Forest Department employee, and Ajay’s wife, Aparna (Aparna Balamurali). He lives in a beautiful old house in the middle of a lot of greenery, close to a reserve forest where there are a lot of monkeys. It doesn’t take long for Aparna to realize that there is more to the life of her in-laws and her husband than meets the eye. He is the catalyst for the mystery to unfold, leaving the audience in shock.

Aparna Balamurali and Asif Ali in Kishkindha Kaandam
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Dinjith said he was very happy when it was decided to release the film during Onam. “A special Onam release. The film was supposed to hit theaters early this year but had to be pushed when some of Asif’s films got delayed. Making the festival release is Joby chettan‘s (producer Joby George Thadathil). Many of my clients in the industry have advised me because of the content and other strong films in the conflict. But he refused. The film became personal for him,” says Dinjith.

Kishkindha KaandamHis success is a testament to his journey as a budding filmmaker Kakshi: Amminipillaan interesting family drama that was released in 2019. “It didn’t do well at the box office, although many people liked the film. We obviously knew that the film was not promoted. So the whole team went out to put up posters around the country. The best thing is that the team still together,” he said. Bahul Ramesh and Sooraj ES, the film’s cinematographer and editor, have reprized their roles in the film. Kishkindha Kaandam.

Bahul has also written screenplays for films that are considered the best in Malayalam cinema. “Emotions rise in the narrative without relief for the audience. It is important to keep the emotions in the right measure. Since we did not shoot in chronological order, it was a challenge for the actors. Some intense scenes in the climax were shot at the beginning. We had to re-shoot important scenes that featuring Asif.

The director insisted that Bahul gave him a good script and with him also chasing the camera, the filmmaker was not worried. “He wrote the story in lockstep and the script was ready in eight days. He knew what he wanted and we were on the same page. This is a prerequisite for a good film. Sooraj is a master of his craft and the editing makes for a smooth watch.”

Filmmaker Dinjith Ayyathan Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

It was a conscious decision not to have a song but Mujeeb Majeed, a film composer such as Mandharam, Thinkalazhcha Nishchayamand web series Perilloor Premier League has created a soundscape that is a character in the film. “The track, ‘Doore doore’ with Tibetan lyrics was used as a promo song. It was the suggestion of the producer.”

The show looks really good with a lot of experienced artists. “When (director) Mr. Fazil read the script, he pointed out that we should choose actors wisely. Kuttettan (Vijayaraghavan), Asif, Aparna, Jagadeesh chettanAsokan chettan… we got some of the best talent.

Dinjith observes that Vijayaraghavan knows how to play the role. “He acted in my first film and I was surprised that he designed the character (as an RP advocate). Ing Kishkindha Kaandam I just need to make sure they are performing on the meter we think they are. He added that “Asif’s potential should be explored as he has grown as an artist over the years”.

The project was delayed due to several reasons and hence there is a gap of five years between the two films. “I got the story in 2022 and planned to shoot it in 2023. But it kept getting postponed. For example, it took time to find the right house. Although we decided on one in Kasaragod, we didn’t get permission to shoot there. Finally we got the one now in Palakkad,” he said.

Dinjith Ayyathan with Vijayaraghavan during the shooting of Kishkindha Kaandam Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The most difficult part of filming was the scene featuring the monkeys. “We spent a whole day in Athirappilly shooting and ended up with five hours of footage. From that we had to choose the shots we needed.

Chennai-based Dinjith, a native of Thalassery, has left his career as an animator to become a filmmaker. “I even had the option of moving to New Zealand. But I didn’t want to give up on my dream even though I didn’t know anyone in the film industry. At that time I was called by a company in Kochi to do some pre-production work for their 3D animated film. Although my plan just three months, I stayed back. Finally we started doing VFX work and became a part of such films 1983, Philips and the Monkey Pen, Double Barrel and Action Hero Biju.”

Aparna Balamurali and Asif Ali in Kishkindha Kaandam | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

By then he was ready with the script and thanks to Abrid Shine, whom he considered his mentor, Dinjith met Dulquer Salmaan. Since Dulquer was tied up with another project, he was suggested to meet Asif. “The project didn’t stop. But he was impressed by one of my animated films, A Mail to Col. John Weits. Later, I approached him with a script from Kakshi: Amminipilla and he readily agreed to do so.

Filmmaker Dinjith Ayyathan with his father Divakaran Ayyathan at the location of Kishkindha Kaandam | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Before entering, Dinjith said that Kishkindha Kaandam have given me some time to appreciate it. “Everyone is talking about Asif’s hug sequence Kuttan, which surprises the end. In my first film there was also a hug (featuring Ahmed Sidique and P Sivadasan). I never hugged my parents, probably because we weren’t used to it. My father (Divakaran Ayyathan) has done a small role in the film. When I met my parents the other day, they gave me a vintage watch and they cried. When they were about to go back home, I gave them back and hugged them both for the first time. He was overwhelmed at that moment. That’s special.”