Malayalam superstar Mohanlal & Bollywood’s rising star Neil Nitin Mukesh release DVD of costliest Malayalam film
Dubai, UAE, December 19th, 2008: Dubai’s rising prominence as an international film destination was further underlined when the makers of the costliest Malayalam film ever selected the city to host a momentous event in the history of South Indian cinema.
Film producer Manu S. Kumaran and National Award-winning director K. P. Kumaran chose Dubai over other cities to launch the DVD version of their critically and commercially acclaimed film, Aakashagopuram. The Mohanlal starrer is reportedly the costliest and the first international Malayalam movie ever made.
The star-studded launch of the Aakashagopuram DVD was held on Friday, December 19th, in the well-appointed surroundings of Dubai’s London Suites Hotel and was attended by a host of luminaries including superstar Mohanlal, Bollywood’s rising actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, veteran film director Sudhir Mishra, K. P. Kumaran and Manu Kumaran.
G. Dhananjayan, COO of Moser Baer, distributors of the DVD, said the choice of Dubai was unanimous. “Aakashagopuram is a landmark development in the history of Indian cinema and has changed the perception of southern movies. It is only pertinent that we hold such an important launch in a city that inspires filmmakers worldwide and which has a thriving community of South Indian film lovers,” he said.
“As the appetite for high quality cinema entertainment grows, Moser Baer will leverage its depth of content to help satisfy the increasing consumer demand around the world,” Dhananjayan added.
Megastar Mohanlal’s enduring box-office magic was clearly evident when film lovers turned out in full force to welcome one of Malayalam cinema’s favourite sons to Dubai. Joined by Neil Nitin Mukesh, grandson of the legendary singer Mukesh, Mohanlal released the much-awaited DVD of his latest movie, as hundreds of his fans looked on.
“It’s a pleasure to be back in Dubai and especially among people who believe in quality cinema,” the actor told the gathering of film lovers. “I am no stranger to this country and have many great first-hand memories with my fans here. Aakashagopuram has not released in UAE theatres yet and it is only appropriate that the DVD be premiered first in this country.”
Directed by National Award-winning director K. P. Kumaram and starring Mohanlal in the lead role, Aakashagopuram (Castles in the Sky) is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s critically acclaimed masterpiece, The Master Builder. Featuring the talents of some of the most acclaimed minds from Hindi, Malayalam and British cinema, the film recounts an intriguing story of an architect at war with his inner self.
Shot and produced entirely in the United Kingdom, Aakashagopuram is set in London, among the immigrant Malayali community and tells the story about the protagonist Albert Samson (Mohanlal), a well-established architect who has worked his way to the top. The movie also features a powerful star cast including Bharat Gopi, Sreenivasan, Shweta Menon, Manoj K. Jayan, Geethu Mohandas and Nithya.
The international talents who worked on the effort reads like a veritable who’s who – music composer John Altman (Titanic, Shall We Dance?, Golden Eye), sound engineer Nigel Holland (Batman Begins, Braveheart, Resident Evil), recording by Robert Farr (Star Wars: Episode II & III, Gangs of New York) and Matthew Gough (Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban, Cold Mountain), while the visual effects have been created by John Harvey and Jonathan Trussler (Kingdom of Heaven).
In light of this huge international credit list, Medient and Moser Baer, the distributors of the DVD, therefore spared no effort to ensure that the DVD launch of this international effort was a success. The twin-pack DVD – the first-ever in Malayalam cinema – contains the full-length movie besides a total 40-minute extra featurette and never-before-seen clips from the movie.
Manu S. Kumaran, producer of the film, said that the film was a tribute to the best in cinematic talent from across the globe. “Aakashagopuram is a work of passion and it was an honour to work alongside such reputed film craftsmen. Film-lovers will now be able to bring home that cinematic experience when they see some of the most spectacular moments from the film, as well as behind-the-scenes activity that went into its making.”
“I have always loved Ibsen’s literary expression and The Master Builder has always intrigued me. It was therefore quite a challenge to the team on how to bring this masterpiece to life and weave in modern elements. At the end of it all, we can sit back and marvel at how all of us succeeded,” the film’s director K. P. Kumaran said.
From Harry Potter to Titanic and Star Wars to Batman Begins, Medient Corporation PLC announces the release of its Malayalam film Aakashagopuram that brings together the best of talents from Hollywood, UK, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam film industry.
Shot and post produced entirely in UK, Aakashagopuram is the film adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play The Master Builder. Starring MohanLal in the lead role, national award winning director K P Kumaran brings to screen this intriguing story of an architect at war with his creativity and ego.
Shot in various locations in the UK by cinematographer Santosh C Thundiyil (Krrish, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Pinjar, Kaal), Aakasha Gopuram’s music has been scored by BAFTA and multiple Emmy award winner John Altman (Golden Eye, Titanic, Bhaji on the Beach, Shall We Dance). The sound design has been done by Nigel Holland (Batman Begins, Braveheart, Resident Evil). Rerecording mixers are Robert Farr (Star Wars: Episode II&III, Gangs of New York) and Matthew Gough (Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban, Cold Mountain). The visual effects have been done by John Harvey and Jonathan Trussler (Kingdom of Heaven).
