Gaganachari, the upcoming Malayalam film, is science-fiction mockumentary that revolves around three Malayalees and an extraterrestrial being, the film’s director Arun Chandu told Silverscreen India.
The film, featuring actors Anarkali Marikar, Aju Varghese, Gokul Suresh, and KB Ganesh Kumar, is produced by Vinayaka Ajith under the Ajith Vinayaka Films banner. The first look poster of Gaganachari was released by actor Aju Varghese recently.
Director Arun Chandu, who previously directed Saajan Bakery Since 1962, has co-written the film’s dialogues and screenplay with Siva Sai.
In conversation with Silverscreen India, Arun said, “Gaganachari is set in a future where the world is not the same, it’s a post-apocalyptic sort of timeline. The film has elements of science fiction and some quirky humour. We have used several pop cultural references that Malayalee audiences will enjoy.”
He also added that the title is inspired by a phrase from the Malayalam film Njan Gandharvan, directed by legendary filmmaker Padmarajan. “Gaganachari is a Sanskrit word meaning celestial being. It’s a word that has the grandeur I wanted to introduce an alien being.”
He noted that Anarkali plays the titular role of the alien. “It is a challenging role as it involved a restrictive method of acting.” Ganesh Kumar plays a light-hearted role in the film, the director added. “He is a versatile actor and hence I roped him in for Gaganachari after working with him in Saajan Bakery Since 1962. I also got an opportunity to explore the humorous side of Gokul Suresh and Aju Varghese in this film.”
A mockumentary is a type of film that depicts fictional events in a documentary style. Briefly explaining why he choose this style of filmmaking, the director said, “To tell a sci-fi story set in a futuristic timeline demands good production quality and high-end VFX to create the world. However, for a comparatively small film like Gaganachari, we thought adopting a mockumentary style, which includes aspects such as breaking the fourth and fifth wall, could help us in delivering the content in a better way.”
Arun added that he is a big fan of science fiction books, films and mockumentary works like the sitcom Office and Taika Waititi’s horror comedy film What We Do in the Shadows, and these inspired him to make a science fiction mockumentary.
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It was during the post-production of Saajan Bakery Since 1962 that the filmmaker discussed some ideas with Aju Varghese. They then came up with a plan for a film that could be made during these Covid-19 times.
The filming for Gaganachari began in February 2021 and the first schedule went on for about 24 days. The makers created a bio bubble for the production and shot on an island in Kochi. After a break, they resumed shooting in July. Parts of the film were shot in Ernakulam, Bengaluru, and Dhanushkodi.
“The film is currently in the post-production stage. We have begun editing. I am also working with the VFX team to bring the best quality output,” Arun noted.