Rekhachitram records a hat-trick of success celebrations in Dubai

By K.R. Nayar

When Rekhachitram, the most successful Malayalam movie of the year, staged its success celebration in Dubai at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday (February 22, 2024), it marked a hat-trick of celebrations for Kaya Films. As a cricket writer who ventured into acting, I never imagined I would use cricketing terms like "hat-trick" when writing about movies.

A group photo to cherish: Rekhachitram celebration  in  Dubai 

Producer Venu Kunnappilly has a tradition of celebrating his movie success with a cake-cutting ceremony. He has now done it thrice—celebrating Malikappuram, 2018, and now Rekhachitram. With each event, the sweetness of success has only grown, and the joy of achieving a hat-trick was boundless.

Producer Venu Kunnappilly with director Jofin T Chacko. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Venu Kunnappilly literally gave a red carpet welcome to the entire Rekhachitram team, emphasizing that teamwork has been the key to each of his successes. He found an exceptional captain in director Jofin T. Chacko. During the event, Machingal Radhakrishnan, the event MC, compared Kaya Films to legendary Malayalam film companies like Manjilas and Century Films—a statement that felt true.

The cake of joy and success. 

The big attraction of the evening was veteran actor Manoj K. Jayan, who played the villain in the movie. The humble and approachable Jayan mingled freely with the audience. In his speech, he shared that although he had visited Dubai many times, this was his first time attending a blockbuster success celebration. “I thank Venu (Kunnappilly) for his generosity in bringing us all together to celebrate. Until now, we’ve used the term ‘brilliant’ to describe films, directors, and scripts—but today, we have a brilliant producer in Venu.”

A cake for Kavya from Asif Ali 

Both Venu and Jofin are ardent cricket fans. In fact, it was our shared love for cricket that connected me with Venu. During the movie's shooting breaks, Jofin and I often discussed the game. They understand that like in cricket, every player is essential to success. This was evident in the way the movie’s posters featured every contributor, including the drivers—something rarely seen in the industry.

Asif Ali walks in acknowledging the loud cheers. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

This was my second success celebration with Asif Ali, the film's lead actor. We had previously worked together in 2018, where I played a DGP. He fondly recalled our first success celebration while filming Rekhachitram. It was during this project that I realized he was an avid cricket follower. At the event, the ever-humble Asif Ali expressed his gratitude to Venu and Jofin for trusting him with the lead role.

Cheers for Rekhachitram heroine Anaswara Rajan. Photo by K.R. Nayar  

Being present from the film’s first clap to lighting the ceremonial lamp and now witnessing its success was a special feeling. And the experience of having contributed to the storytelling process was invaluable. Success celebrations are also a great opportunity to reunite with co-actors. Zarin Shihab, who had just wrapped up Attam before playing young Pushpam in this film, was a delight to meet again.

Manoj K Jayan ... the veteran actor walks in. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Unni Lalu, who portrayed young Vakkachan (the younger version of Manoj K. Jayan’s character), had shared numerous scenes with me, and our memories of spending time inside the caravan during shooting breaks remain fresh.

Rising stars Unni Lalu and Zarin Shihab. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Dubai-based businessman Joy Vazhappilly, who played a businessman in the film, ensured we had the chance to interact with Manoj K. Jayan during the celebration. It was also wonderful to meet Megha Thomas, who played Sister Stephy, and with whom I had done the dubbing in Kochi. The only disappointment was not having shared a scene with my Caravan Cricket Club mate Nandalal Krishnamurthy, who played a short but crucial role in the movie.

An evening made melodious by Suchetha Satish

The evening’s celebrations began with Suchetha Satish, a Guinness World Record holder, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey with a medley of classic Kishore Kumar songs.

Sohan Roy (extreme right) with the lead actors, director Jofin T Chacko and producer Venu Kunnappilly 

Distinguished personalities based in Dubai, such as Sohan Roy—producer of Dam, and owner of the Aries Kollam cricket team in the Kerala Cricket League—presented mementoes. 

Dr Satish and family with Manoj K Jayan. 

Another notable guest was Dr. T.C. Satish, a renowned dermatologist whom Venu described as his partner in dreaming about filmmaking. Sudhir Kumar Azhakath, a corporate leader, sports enthusiast, and marathon runner, also handed out mementoes to the film’s artists.

Dubai based businessman Joy Vazhappilly receives the award from Manoj K Jayan

Rekhachitram will be available for streaming on Sony LIV from March 7. I was delighted to find my scene included in the trailer for the OTT release. Addressing the audience, I remarked that, having acted in both 2018 and Rekhachitram, and having been part of both their success celebrations, I am in with a hat-trick chance —just like in cricket.

Venu Kunnappilly applauded for his teamwork that keeps on leading to sweet success  

In his speech, Venu reaffirmed that teamwork is the essence of success. If this remains his guiding principle, many more triumphs are sure to follow.