The makers of Whistle, a new Malayalam film set in Malappuram's Sevens football culture, are inviting Malappuram's football lovers, players and artists to act in the film. The shoot starts soon in Malappuram, and the team is aiming for a release next Ramzan.
Rajeev Krishna makes his debut as director, with a script by Vinod Guruvayur, and Shadil Majeed produces under the Shadil Neenu Production House banner. Minister PK Kunhalikutty released the film's brochure.
Film: Whistle (Malayalam)
Director: Rajeev Krishna (debut)
Script: Vinod Guruvayur
Producer: Shadil Majeed (Shadil Neenu Production House)
Music: Kamal Prashant
Cinematography: Ashkar Ali
Editor: Sooraj ES
Action: Ashraf Gurukkal
Shoot: Starting soon in Malappuram
Release: Targeting next Ramzan
Real players in the cast
The film will cast football players and newcomers alongside established Malayalam actors. For a sports film, an open call to real players from the region where the story is set is still uncommon in Malayalam.
A composer from AR Rahman's team
Music is by Kamal Prashant, who has worked as a music assistant to AR Rahman, and this is his first Malayalam film. Ashkar Ali, known for his work in Telugu cinema, is the cinematographer, and Sooraj ES edits. Ashraf Gurukkal handles the action.
Back on the football field
Malayalam cinema keeps returning to football. Zakariya's Sudani from Nigeria (2018), with Soubin Shahir as a Sevens club manager in Malappuram, and Prajesh Sen's Captain (2018), with Jayasurya as footballer VP Sathyan, both came out the same year.
More recently, Saiju Kurup unveiled the first look of Bafana United, a football film with teenagers at its centre. Whistle now takes the game back to Malappuram's Sevens grounds.
ALSO READ: Saiju Kurup's Bafana United first look: Mahal team's football film with teens
