Kalidas Jayaram’s Backpackers gets a direct OTT release

Another new Malayalam film is getting released directly through an OTT platform. Kalidas Jayaram’s ‘Backapackers’ is set to be released on a new streaming platform named Roots from February 10. The film is directed by multiple-award winning filmmaker Jayaraj.

‘Backpackers’ is Kalidas’ fourth film on the trot to get an OTT release. Last year, he had three back-to-back releases in Tamil. He starred in Sudha Kongara’s film ‘Ilamai Idho Idho’ in the Amazon Prime anthology, ‘Putham Pudhu Kaalai’. His brilliant performance as a transwoman in the Netflix film ‘Paava Kadhaigal’ got him unanimous appreciation. His long delayed Tamil film ‘Oru Pakka Kathai’ also got released in Zee5.

‘Backpackers’ is said to be an intense romantic film about two terminally ill patients. The makers had released its teaser last year on Valentine’s Day. Newcomer Karthika plays the female lead. Both Kalidas and Karthika had tonsured their heads for this film. Scripted by Jayaraj, it is reportedly based on a true story. Renji Panicker will also be seen in a prominent role in the film.

Abhinandan Ramanujan, popular for his work in films like ‘Amen’ ‘9’ and ‘Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal’, is the cinematographer. Sachin Shankor Mannath is the music director and edits are handled by Sreejith. Dr Suresh Kumar Muttath is producing the film.