The Beauty of Cinema Is That Everything Is Beyond Our Judgement

When Devadath Shaji set out to make Dheeran, his directorial debut, he knew he was attempting something that felt both familiar and fresh.

- VIVEK SANTHOSH

When Devadath Shaji set out to make Dheeran, his directorial debut, he knew he was attempting something that felt both familiar and fresh. The film, which releases in theaters today, is described by its maker as a comedy action drama rooted in the spirit of Malayalam cinema's past and present. "It's the story of a brave man from Malayattoor and the people around him," Devadath says, reflecting on the journey that led him here. "I've tried to bring in all kinds of emotions in this film, whether it's love, lust, humor, sacrifice or survival."

While Rajesh Madhavan plays the titular Dheeran, Devadath emphasizes that this is far from a one-man show. The ensemble includes veterans such as Jagadish, Manoj K Jayan, Ashokan, Sudheesh, and Vineeth, who have contributed significantly to Malayalam cinema. "They're all heroes from the 80s and 90s," he points out. "It's not a film that's entirely centered on the title character alone. They're all brave in their own ways, and they're all the heroes of this story." This ambition to showcase multiple generations of performers also shaped his casting decisions from the outset. "The cast in Dheeran brings together three generations," he explains. One of the most satisfying aspects of working with such a seasoned cast, he adds, was witnessing their collaborative spirit on set. "All the actors might suggest delivering a line in a certain way, reacting differently or adding a line here and there," he says. "I really like getting that kind of input."

Though Aswathy Manoharan is the only woman featured prominently in the promotional materials, including the trailer and songs, Devadath is quick to clarify that