Anoop Menon to star in Kamala Das’ biopic Aami

Veteran director Kamal’s new venture,a biopic on late writer Kamala Das (Kamala Surayya) has been in the news for its casting. Bollywood beauty Vidya Balan has been roped in to play the titular character. Mollywood’s hot and happening star Prithviraj is playing a fictional character and the multi talented Murali Gopi is reportedly playing the character of Kamala Das aka Madhavikutty’s husband. The latest addition to the team is actor-scribe Anoop Menon who is also playing a very important role in the movie.

The actor who has been holidaying in China has confirmed the news. He is quoted saying “I got a call from Kamal Sir when I was in China, regarding the movie. I have always wanted to work with him. He is someone who gives constant feedback on my movies. I have been a huge fan of Kamala Das and her works. So I am honoured that Kamal sir would call me for such a role in this big movie”. Anoop Menon though remained tight lipped about his character “I am not at liberty to reveal anything about the character except that its pivotal to the movie and I get to share screen space with Vidya Balan and Prithviraj.

Known for his penchant to try out solid meaty roles, Anoop Menon’s latest addition has lifted the movie one scale higher. Anoop Menon’s last release was the commercial Pavada where he played the role of Pavada Babu alongside Prithviraj. Anoop Menon’s effortless portrayal of a drunkard garnered praise from audience as well as the critics.

His upcoming movies slated for release are Karinkunnam 6’s and PaVa (Pappanekkurichum Varkeyekkurichum) In PaVa, Anoop Menon will be seen playing the role of Varkey, an 80 year old man alongside Murali Gopi. He plays Manju Warrier’s husband’s character in Karinkunnam 6’s. With a handful of worthy projects and meaty roles, Anoop Menon’s career graph is soaring high and by bagging an important role in Aami, he is having an extended purple patch of sorts.

Vidya Balan’s latest release was Te3n alongside Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan where she played the role of a cop on investigation of a kidnapping case. Incidentally, Vidya Balan’s debut movie was initially a Mollywood movie, Chakram where she was cast opposite Mohanlal and Dileep. But for reasons unknown the project could not materialize and she made her debut in Bollywood.

Soon, she carved a niche for herself in the industry with plum roles and finally bagging a national award for Dirty Picture. Last time Vidya balan was seen in Mollywood was in the Santosh Sivan directorial Urumi where she played a cameo role. Vidya Balan has more often been very selective with her roles and has been seen portraying only strong well written roles that leave an impact. With Vidya Balan making a comeback to Malayalam Cinema, lion’s share of credit should be given to director Kamal for penning a script that has excited her and making her sign the dotted lines.

With so many seasoned actors and a veteran director calling the shots, this upcoming biopic will be one of the most expected movies of the season. The movie titled as Aami, a nickname of the writer is all set to go on floors by October this year.