Top film-makers of Malayalam cinema, Siddique, Ousepachan Valakuzhi and Lal. Photo-Times of Oman
Muscat: Oman's stunning tourism is once again in the spotlight as a top film producer, who is visiting Muscat, is on the hunt for beautiful locations in the country that could be featured in his next movie.
Speaking to Times of Oman in an interview, Ousepachan Valakuzhy, a renowned filmmaker from Kerala, India, said he is very impressed by the beauty of Oman and has plans to feature the country's picturesque landscapes in his upcoming film, scheduled to being shooting next year.
"While I haven't travelled around Oman, I found the city of Muscat to be quaint and charming. I will come back again to talk with the authorities concerned who could give me permission to use these beautiful locales for my next project," said Ousepachan, who is known for producing some of the biggest hits in South India, including Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu, Ramji Rao Speaking and Hitler.
Interestingly, Ousepachan's next project will be with the director duo of Siddique and Lal, who are coming back to shoot a film together after 20 years of working separately.
Siddique and Lal, who created a number of hit movies, parted ways owing to reasons best known to them.
While Lal went on to perform in many films as an actor, Siddique focused on direction. Ousepachan, who played a key role in bringing the duo back together, said part of the film will also be shot in Qatar.
"We had been to Qatar last week and are satisfied with the facilities there," he said.
The film, entitled King Liar and starring Dileep in the lead, will be scripted by Siddique and directed by Lal. It is touted to be a comedy and is expected to hit the screens in 2015.
Expectations are running high for the film since news of the reunion was announced, as the Siddique and Lal team earlier released some of the best comedy movies in Malayalam, including Ramji Rao Speaking, In Harihar Nagar, God Father, Vietnam Colony and Kabooliwala.
Explaining how he convinced the two directors to reunite, Ousepachan, who produced their first film, Ram Ramji Rao Speaking in 1989, said, "I have known both of them since their initial days and I wanted them to come together for the sake of the industry. Both Siddique and Lal are not what they were 20 years back and both are very busy in their respective fields. I made up my mind and first met Siddique, who thought for a while and agreed. I then met Lal, who gave a patient hearing to the idea and asked for two days to ponder, after which he gave the green signal. We then sat to think over a subject that should entertain the audience."
Speaking to Times of Oman over phone from India, Siddique, who proved his versatility, by entering the coveted Rs 1 billion club with the Salman Khan film Bodyguard, said the duo may come to Oman to explore locations.
"Both of us are busy with our own commitments. Soon after we may look to visit Muscat," he stated. On reuniting with his friend Lal after two decades, Siddique hoped to recreate the old magic. "My only request to the fans is to judge us by the movies we did together and not on the basis of this comeback. We are working hard to give the audience the best from us," he added.
Lal, who won critical acclaim for his acting prowess, said although they had parted ways, their friendship remains intact. "We may not have worked together for long, but we meet and talk to each other frequently. It's just that we are getting back professionally, after 20 years," Lal noted.