Krishand Ventures into Cyberpunk with 'Masthishka Maranam'
Acclaimed filmmaker Krishand is taking a bold leap into new territory. Known for his thought-provoking works like Aavasavyuham and Purusha Pretham, he now aims to captivate audiences with a cyberpunk science fiction film titled Masthishka Maranam.
Teaser Reveals a Glimpse of a Tech-Dominated World
The makers unveiled the film's teaser on Friday, January 16. This nearly one-minute preview offers a striking look at a dystopian future where technology holds supreme power. It introduces viewers to a mysterious survivor and a compelling character portrayed by Rajisha Vijayan, who already enjoys a strong fan following.
While the plot details remain largely under wraps, the teaser strongly suggests an experimental cyberpunk venture. Such a project represents a rare and ambitious undertaking for the Malayalam film industry, often referred to as M-Town.
Star-Studded Cast and Visionary Direction
Krishand directs Masthishka Maranam, with Rajisha Vijayan taking on the lead role. The film boasts a talented supporting cast including Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, Vishnu Agasthya, Divyaprabha, Jagadeesh, and Suresh Krishna in pivotal parts.
In a previous conversation with The New Indian Express, Krishand shared his deep fascination with the cyberpunk genre. "I always wanted to make a sci-fi film, and I have long been fascinated by cyberpunk," he stated. The director explained that cyberpunk often portrays societies where technological advancement coexists with a severe decline in the quality of life.
His creative vision draws inspiration from classic dystopian literature. He cited George Orwell's 1984, with its themes of governmental control over attention, and Aldous Huxley's ideas about societies kept docile through distraction. "That is exactly what seems to be happening now," Krishand observed, noting how contemporary audiences often focus on trivial matters over pressing global issues. This societal observation fueled his desire to create a retro-futuristic cyberpunk narrative.
Securing backing for such an unconventional project proved challenging initially. "When I first pitched the idea, many felt there was no business in it," Krishand recalled. Producer Ajith Vinayaka ultimately championed the film, building on their successful prior collaboration for Arun Chandu's Gaganachari.
The director also provided a helpful reference for viewers. He suggested that those new to cyberpunk might find parallels with the anthology series Black Mirror, while genre enthusiasts will likely detect influences from seminal films like The Matrix.
Behind the Scenes: A Skilled Technical Team
A robust technical crew supports the film's ambitious vision. Prayag Mukundan serves as the cinematographer, capturing the film's distinctive visual style. Krishand himself handles the editing duties, ensuring the final cut aligns with his directorial vision.
The auditory experience is crafted by Varkey, who is responsible for the music and sound design. Lyricists Vinayak Sasikumar and Vaisakh Sugunan contribute the film's verses. The art direction is a collaborative effort between Krishand and Alvin Joseph, aiming to build a believable futuristic world.
Further enhancing the production are Divya Joby's costume designs, Arshad Varkala's makeup artistry, and Shravan Satya's stunt choreography. Each department works to realize the unique aesthetic of this cyberpunk tale.
Masthishka Maranam stands as a significant and daring addition to Malayalam cinema, promising to blend social commentary with sci-fi spectacle under Krishand's guidance.
