Several people on this project are trying something new. Its director is making his debut, its producer is backing his first film and its lead actor accepted the role early, which the producer credits with getting the film started. 'Melcow Pondicherry', the Malayalam film starring Arjun Ashokan, will release in theatres on November 13.
Producer Arun Gopy announced the date on Instagram along with a release poster. He wrote, "November 13 marks the first day of a dream that lives deep in my heart. Stand with us, make this journey even more special, and help turn it into a day we will cherish forever."
The film is directed by Nikhil Mohan, who is making his debut and also wrote the story. Sanoop Thykoodam wrote the screenplay and dialogues. Sources describe it as a youthful, light-hearted entertainer about friendship and fun, a genre that has done well in Malayalam cinema when the cast works well together.
The cast mixes familiar Malayalam faces with a cross-industry name. Along with Arjun Ashokan, the film features Balu Varghese, Althaf Salim, Sarath Sabha, Sanoop, Sreelakshmi Vijayan and Anna Susan Roy. Well-known Tamil comedian Motta Rajendran also appears, and with a Pondicherry setting in the title, that casting could help the film reach audiences beyond Kerala.
On the technical side, Saneesh Stanly is the cinematographer and Electronic Kili composed the music. Sagar Das edited the film and Aji Kuttiyani handled art direction. It is jointly produced by Arun Gopy and Justin Mathew under the banners Arun Gopy Excitements and Justin & Mathew Entertainments.
Post-production finished some time ago. In September, editor Sagar Das shared on Instagram: "And now… there is nothing left to cut. The story has found its rhythm. The silence has found its place. The film is locked. MELCOW PONDICHERRY REELS LOCKED."
The producer's thank-you to his lead
Arun Gopy has spoken openly about how much the project means to him. In a recent birthday post for Arjun Ashokan on Instagram, he thanked the actor for agreeing to do the film.
"Dearest Achu, I really wanted to wish you a very happy birthday and also thank you from the bottom of my heart for saying yes to "MELCOW Pondicherry". The moment you said yes, the project truly came to life," he wrote.
He added, "You are one of the main reasons I became a producer today, and I'll always be grateful for that. You are my first-ever production hero, and I'm genuinely so happy and proud to have worked with you."
He called Arjun Ashokan "truly a gem of a person" and said the actor would go far: "...You will reach great heights and achieve many more wonderful things in the years to come. Wishing you all the very best, always. Once again, a very happy birthday, Achu! @arjun_ashokan."
Arjun Ashokan has built a steady career in Malayalam cinema, often in ensemble films. For him, 'Melcow Pondicherry' is a chance to lead a youth-focused comedy. For Nikhil Mohan and Arun Gopy, November 13 will be the first big test of their new roles as director and producer.
