My experience acting in the thriller movie Rekhachitram, set for global release on January 9

By K.R. Nayar

For a cricket writer like me, accustomed to the glorious uncertainties of the game, the Malayalam movie Rekhachitram, set to release on January 9, directed by Jofin T. Chacko and produced by Venu Kunnappilly, evokes a similar sense of unpredictability. Playing the role of a Bishop in this thriller, which has a nail-biting finish akin to an edge-of-the-seat cricket match, was special in many ways. This movie is the result of an enthusiastic and creative team's hard work, and it has already become the talk of the film world.

 

The trailer of Rekhachitram crossed two millions viewers 

I shot for this small but significant role in Rekhachitram just before leaving for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the US and West Indies. Both experiences — acting in the film and witnessing India's historic World Cup victory — were highlights of the year for me. As Rekhachitram releases on January 9, I hope it will mark another spectacular moment, this time in the Malayalam film industry.

 

Jofin directing me during the shoot 

The movie was shot during June and July 2024. It was an incredible experience to be directed by Jofin T. Chacko, who had earlier helmed the Mammootty-starrer The Priest. A keen cricket enthusiast, Jofin made me feel at ease with conversations about the game during breaks. Producer, Venu Kunnappilly, is fast establishing himself as a hitmaker in Mollywood with recent successes like 2018 and Malikapuram.

 

Venu Kunnappilly... producer with a vision 

The dedication of everyone on set during the sweltering summer was truly inspiring. Jofin, soft-spoken yet brilliant, led the team like a skilled captain, marshaling resources efficiently and with clear direction. He has undoubtedly justified the confidence Venu Kunnappilly placed in him by crafting another potential hit.

 

 

"The moment I heard the story of Rekhachitram, I agreed immediately. Usually, I take my time to decide, but with Jofin’s story, I said ‘go ahead’ right away because it was so exciting and intriguing," remarked Kunnappilly, whose movie 2018 was India’s representation for the Oscars in 2024. In that film, I had played the role of a DGP, a film based on the devastating Kerala floods. "Creating movies that resonate with people is what I focus on," added Kunnappilly.

 

 Rekhachitram's launch event in Kochi 

I’ve only seen movie launches on screen, so being present at the launch of Rekhachitram at Fort Kochi was a great experience. I was honored to light the ceremonial lamp along with the film’s hero, Asif Ali. 

 

Honoured to have lit the ceremonial lamp 

Asif too talked a lot to me about cricket. That day I realised he is a good conversationalist as well. His comments on Rekhachitram reveals that clearly. “I don’t know if u can call this an investigative thriller. I would prefer to call it as an investigative drama. The casting is brilliant and even spotting the look alikes (for the flash back) was a great effort. People who know about movies, people who love movies, and those who enjoy movies of the past will also like it.”

 

With Prem Prakash, brother of legendary actor Jose Prakash 

At the launch event, I had the opportunity to interact with many people whose lives revolve around cinema. Among them were established actors and aspiring newcomers, all carrying dreams of stardom. Some of the first scenes were shot with Prem Prakash, brother of the late Jose Prakash, one of Mollywood’s legendary villains.

 

Dubbing for Rekhachitram

I also met Vijay Menon, an actor with over 100 films to his credit and a former writer for Indian Express, where I once worked in Mumbai. His columns on international politics were always insightful. Shaheen Siddique, son of the renowned actor Siddique, was also present. Though Nandalal, with whom I grew up playing cricket, plays a small role, we are not together in any scene.

 

Shibu G. Suseelan

The production team, led by the energetic Gopan and Shibu G. Suseelan, ensured a smooth experience for everyone on set. Shibu, who also plays the role of a film body’s general secretary in the movie, along with Sumesh K. Sureshan, guided me during my dubbing sessions. 

 

With the young Unni Lalu who plays my assistant  

As a cricket writer, I often report on junior cricket, which I enjoy because it allows me to connect with ambitious young players striving for success. Similarly, on the set of Rekhachitram, I found myself surrounded by talented young actors like Unni Lalu, who played the Bishop’s assistant, Zarin Shihab, who portrayed Unni’s love interest, and Jenni Palath, who plays a nun.

 

With the young and rising actress Zarin Shihab 

Zarin, who won acclaim for her role in the national award-winning film Attam, brought great depth to her character. Selvaraj Raghavan, who has played a prominent role in Attam, was also with us. 

 

Anaswara Rajan - the female lead in Rekhachitram

While filming near the Periyar, I met Rekhachitram’s this movie’s lead actress, Anaswara Rajan, a rising star in Mollywood. Already a recipient of the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress in Malayalam, she has five upcoming releases, cementing her place as a sought-after talent.

 

With Joy Vazhappilly and Venu Kunnappilly during the shoot 

Joy Vazhappilly, with whom I appear in a prominent scene, is a businessman from Dubai. During breaks, we discussed the roles we play in life, both on and off-screen. Joy recently completed an Everest Base Camp trek, earning recognition for his endurance and passion. 

What makes the journey of life so exciting is the opportunity to meet and interact with so many talented people.

 

Asif Ali's  huge cut out  in front of a theatre 

Life, much like the movie Rekhachitram, is full of surprises. Many asked me what the movie’s title means, and some say the literal translation is ‘documentary sketch’. Some may say it is a diagram used to explain something. Perhaps it’s best left a mystery, just like the film’s plot. Until you walk out of the theater, the suspense remains intact — and that’s the beauty of this movie.