The film directed by Aneesh Anwar, talking to media Aneesh Anwar, shared his experience of shooting movie in Oman and was all praise for the Omani authorities and the locales for their whole-hearted support…reports Asian Lite News
When Art & Commerce goes hand-in-hand the final outcome is beneficial not only to its players but also the nation gains with more talent and exposure to the untapped natural beauty.
The newly formed ALU Entertainment a brainchild of Abdul Lateef Uppala, Managing Director, Badr Al Sama Group of Hospitals and Board member of the prestigious Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is all set to see its first film “Raastha” in Malayalam language to hit the big screens worldwide on January 5th. Nearly 40 crew members along with film and theatre personalities comprising mostly the expats from Oman and also Omanis have put their heart and soul in this 125 minutes film, which will be screened in over 80 theatres in Kerala state, Oman and other GCC countries and also in rest part of the world.
The story written by two thick friends from Sur in the Batinah region – Shahul and Faiz, were pondering with a real story happened in 2011 in the deserts of Rub-Al-Khali, which is one of the biggest desert in the world. Rub-Al-Khali, is spread over 650,000 km, from Oman to its border nations – UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The duo after much difficulty managed to interact with Abdul Latheef and the story narration motivated him to make Raastha (a Way) as it is based on true facts as it showcases the true nature and culture of Oman.
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“As a Board member of OCCI, I feel it is my responsibility to contribute to the promotion of entertainment and tourism industry of Oman and this movie is first such step in this direction, revealed an energetic Abdul Latheef at a press meet and a gathering of dignitaries at the Oman Chamber of Commerce (OCCI).
The film directed by Aneesh Anwar, talking to media Aneesh Anwar, shared his experience of shooting movie in Oman and was all praise for the Omani authorities and the locales for their whole-hearted support. The beauty of Oman ranging from brown mountains, to blue, olive green seafront and the open blue sky has mesmerized the film director, who said, Oman is a dream land for any filmmaker and he will definitely share his experiences with his friends from the film fraternity, back home in India as Oman is not only a friendly nation, but a filmmaker’s dream land to showcase its beauty on screen.
The film has actors –Sarjano Khalid, Anagha Narayanan, Aaradhya Ann, Sudheesh, Irshad Ali, T G Ravi and Aneesh Anwar, Lovel Edathil Balakrishnan, Prakash Vijayan, Sabitha Lijo and Ansar amongst others, the film is produced by Linu Sreenivasan. Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, His Excellency Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, expressed deep satisfaction and excitement upon knowing that the movie was completely shot in Oman and how it showcases the beauty of Oman. He wished all the best for the movie and assured the crowd that he will watch the movie in the theatre alongwith his family.
Humaid Al Amri, Chairman of Oman Film Society while sharing his experiences said the movie will give a boost to Oman entertainment industry and will inspire more movie makers to come to Oman and shoot movies here. Vishnu Narayanan handles the cinematography, while Avin Mohan Sithara has given the musical score. Edited by Aftar Anwar, ‘Raastha’ boasts stellar performances complemented by the artistic direction of Venu Thopil. The film features outstanding songs sung by Vineeth Srinivasan, Alphonse Joseph, Suraj Santhosh, and Avin Mohan Sithara.
Blessed Oman: Home to Talented Actors
There are many experienced and budding Omanis and Indian artistes in Oman, who will be seen on big screen on January 5th
Some of the known actors from Muscat who have been regularly in the art world, besides, doing their routine work, spares time for film and art. They keep chatting through Whats App group or personal interactions, some of them got chance due to their talent in this big budget Malayalam film are:
Lovel Edathil Balakrishnan, native of Thalasshery in northern Kerala Kannur, who has been in Muscat for more than two decades, is a well-known classical dancer and a noted actor, who is known as “Mahabali” carrying the traditional umbrella on the Onam day, is waiting for the D-Day to see self on the big screen through “Raasta”.
Sabitha Lio John, a resident of Muscat, plays the role of a housemaid Fato,a. working in a Omani house, is excited as its her first venture, as few days back she played a tribal women’s role of Muppethy and she feels proud when some of her close aides calls her as Muppethy. Her next venture is in a Anirban Ray’s short film which is likely to released next week. She plays the role of a illegal Bangladeshi migrant, who comes under the radar of security agencies at the border.
Prakash Vijayan, plays the role of a hotel manager Baiju, he is the last person to meet missing persons in the desert. He has a significant role in the 160 minutes movie, where he coordinates Ashraf played by (Lovel Edathil Balakrishnan) in searching the missing persons. He acted in many short films and also directed few plays and short film.
Ansar, who too performed police inspector in a Malayalam drama recently has a very important role in this film.
Ahmed Al Burtamani (Sami Sarang), tall and handsome Rescue Team commander leads the rescue team from the desert of Rub-Al-Khali, where the foursome including a young women lost their Raastha and the Royal Oman Police team presses chopper and fleets of police vans to rescue them.
Sami Sarang, a prominent name in the film and theatre fraternity from Oman, originally belongs from Pakistan’s province Baluchistan. His tall personality with fair complex has done scores of modelling assignments and also acted in many short films. He also directed the first Baluchi Telefilm named “Sangat”
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