It is shaping up to be a busy week for Joju George. A new character poster from Aja Sundari introduces him as Reji, and the image puts him alongside a goat. It lands on the same day that Paripadi is due to unveil its first look and first single, at 6 PM today.
The goat is not a random prop. When the film's first look came out on January 25, it carried the line "Sundariye kaanmanilla" (Sundari is missing) along with the hashtag #MissingGoat. The new poster appears to build on that hook, putting a face to the man at the centre of the search. Aja Sundari is reported to be coming to theatres soon, though no release date has been announced.
The editor who links both films
The common thread between Joju's two films this week is Manu Antony. He is reported to have written and directed Aja Sundari, which marks his directorial debut, and he edits the film as well.
Manu is better known so far for his work at the editing table. His reported credits include Iratta, Pani, Padmini and Christy, and he is also the editor on Paripadi. With Aja Sundari, he moves into the director's chair while still cutting the film himself.
Geetartha AR is reported to be the co-writer, with additional screenplay by Saneth Radhakrishnan.
OPM Cinemas returns
The film is produced by Aashiq Abu's OPM Cinemas, and is reported to be the banner's first film since Rifle Club. Jaison Francis is the co-producer.
Aashiq Abu is also reported to be the film's cinematographer, which means the producer is shooting it himself. Music is by Gopikrishnan P N of Drumyuga.
Along with Joju, the cast includes Lijomol Jose, Prasanth Murali and RJ Vijitha.
A change at the top
Aja Sundari did not start out as a Joju film. Soubin Shahir was first announced as the lead and as a co-producer, with Parava Films backing the project alongside OPM Cinemas.
Joju later replaced him in the lead. Soubin and Shawn Antony then left the production, according to reports. The new poster is the clearest sign yet of the film's current shape, with Joju front and centre as Reji.
What to watch for
For now, the focus shifts to this evening, when Paripadi's first look and first single arrive at 6 PM. Between that and Reji's introduction, Joju has two films and one editor in the spotlight on the same day. The next update on Aja Sundari to look out for is a release date.
Also read: Joju George readies Paripadi after Pani
