Introduction to “Perilloor Premier League”
The Malayalam web series ‘Perilloor Premier League’ (PPL) has whimsically captured the essence of village life with its vibrant portrayal of eccentric and unwittingly comical characters from the imaginary village of Perilloor. This seven-episode series has swiftly become a fan favorite, bringing immense joy to director Praveen Chandran, who is pleased with the audience’s warm reception.
New Horizons in Direction for Praveen Chandran
Praveen Chandran’s journey in the Malayalam film industry spans over twenty years, and ‘Perilloor Premier League’ marks his debut as an independent director. In a conversation from his hometown of Mannarkkad in the Palakkad district, he illuminates the path that led to the series’ inception. Acknowledging that PPL’s creation stemmed from the imagination of writer Deepu Pradeep, he describes the origins of their partnership. Known for his successful scripts like ‘Kunjiramayanam’ and the forthcoming ‘Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil,’ Pradeep’s characters, initially introduced in his infamous blog, evolved into the heart of PPL. The pivot to a web series from a planned film arose out of pandemic-related restrictions, leading to the birth of PPL under the auspices of E4 Entertainment, following an endorsement by Disney+ Hotstar.
The Characters and Cast of PPL
PPL follows Malavika Purushothaman, portrayed by Nikhila Vimal, and her naïve ambition to marry her childhood sweetheart, Sreeraman (Sunny Wayne), who matches her in simplicity. The plot thickens when she’s convinced to become the Panchayat President by her cunning uncle, Peethambaran (Vijayaraghavan). Peopled by a host of off-the-wall characters like Soman (Ashokan), the confident perennial election loser; the sharp-tongued Gomathy (Jaya Kurup); the flirtatious Psycho Balachandran (Aju Varghese); and the deceitful astrologer Ambareesh (Sarath Sabha); PPL hilariously encapsulates village quirks.
Praveen Chandran on Directing Web Series
Praveen acknowledges the novel challenges and freedoms that come with directing a web series, contrasting it with his film background. Despite the unfamiliar territory, he found that the web series offered broader creative liberty, allowing elaborate subplots and a multitude of characters to flourish on screen without detaching from the central emotional arc. He recounts his experience from the initial days as an assistant director in ‘College Days’ to working on productions like ‘Pattam Pole,’ ‘Ithihasa,’ and more, leading up to his current endeavor.
Lush Locales and Perfect Casting
The series is beautifully set against the seldom-seen locations of Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal in the Wayanad district, with Anoop V Shylaja’s cinematography highlighting the area’s appeal. Praveen emphasizes the importance of casting in comedy, priding the production on securing an excellent ensemble within budget constraints. He shares anecdotes from the set, like Vijayaraghavan’s meticulous involvement in crafting his character’s look, adamant on portraying a beaming full-dentured smile as a crucial feature of Peethambaran.
Favorite Characters and Joyful Shoots
Praveen reveals his fondness for certain characters, such as Soman, and his casting decisions influenced by performances from other films, such as ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam’. He reflects on the elation of seeing Ashokan bring his unique dance steps to life in PPL. Furthermore, he compliments Nikhila’s exceptional comedic timing and the familiarity he shares with Sunny Wayne, noting that these factors contributed to the casting choices that have defined the show’s success.
The Making of PPL and Glimpse Into the Future
PPL stands as a testament to Praveen’s ambitions, encapsulating elements and actors he plans to feature in his upcoming theatrical debut. Describing his journey in the cinematic landscape—predominantly devoid of comedic elements—he expresses an affection for the genre and the fulfillment in creating light-hearted content. He finds joy in the vibrant atmosphere on set, where each actor, regardless of their depth of experience, brought their A-game, contributing to the richness of PPL.
Perilloor Premier League is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, inviting audiences to step into the uproarious yet affectionate world of Perilloor and its delightful inhabitants.
