As the sun sets on a productive 2023, Malayalam film star Tovino Thomas isn’t slowing down, brimming with excitement about his upcoming film releases and a well-deserved vacation on his agenda. Thomas is eagerly anticipating the premiere of his latest feature, ‘Anweshippin Kandethum,’ which earmarks his first release of 2024, an investigative thriller that promises to rivet his audience. The allure of this film is soon to be followed by the highly anticipated projects ‘Nadikar’ and ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’ (ARM), all while he sets his eyes on ‘L2: Empuran,’ the sequel to the blockbuster film ‘Lucifer.’
Helmed by director Darwin Kuriakose making his directorial debut, ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ sees Tovino Thomas in the role of Anand Narayanan, a newly-appointed sub-inspector delving into a puzzling murder case in a police station located within the Kottayam district. The screenplay, penned by Jinu V Abraham, engrosses viewers in a story that is as gritty as it is psychologically complex.
The setting of the film plays a pivotal role, as the events unravel in the early nineties – a time before the digital convenience of mobile phones and forensics. Tovino Thomas, holding forth on the essence of this period, remarked on the absence of modern tools such as tower locations and call records which nowadays facilitate swift justice. He explained how, during that era, police had to rely heavily on traditional methods, prioritizing teamwork and grassroots detective work to follow leads.
In portraying this environment, the film doesn’t shy away from featuring extensive legwork by the police, suspense, and gripping action sequences. It’s a tale of not one, but two murder investigations that intertwine, heightening the stakes and the nail-biting tension for audience members.
Creating an authentic throwback to the ’90s was a meticulous process for the ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ production team. Tovino mentioned how the crew selected locations with great care to transport viewers back to a time two decades prior, an era devoid of the technological advancements that now pepper every facet of investigation procedurals.
But ‘Anweshippin Kandethum’ is more than a mere crime-solving narrative. It delves into the emotional and psychological depths of the policemen embroiled in the case. Tovino was drawn to the role because of the film’s focus on the emotional journeys, relationship dynamics, and challenges faced by the police officers. This film is not just about the pursuit of the culprits but also paints a vivid portrayal of the human element behind the badge.
Transitioning to a different sphere of celluloid, Tovino Thomas is set to grace the silver screen as David Padikkal in ‘Nadikar,’ coming to theaters in May. The character sketch reveals David as an eminent actor whose life takes an unexpected downward spiral, compelling him to introspect and discover his true self beyond his celebrity persona.
To add to this roster of eclectic characters, Thomas will also be seen in the much-awaited magnum opus, ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam.’ The anticipation for this film is significant due to its narrative scope that spans across three different time periods.
Tovino Thomas is enthused at the prospect of portraying these diverse characters, each demanding a unique approach and skill set. His enthusiasm for his craft and the upcoming roles is palpable as he talks about the contrasting personas he will be bringing to life on the big screen.
In the midst of an active career trajectory marked by varied and challenging roles, Tovino Thomas seems poised to captivate his fans yet again with his upcoming performances. ‘Anweshippin Kandethum,’ with its vintage setting and intricate character development, is set to kickstart another robust year for the actor, reaffirming his status as a versatile powerhouse in the Malayalam film industry.
