Asha Sharath, Guru Somasundaram pair up for a mature romance, Indira

Asha Sharath and Guru Somasundaram are coming together, in a pairing that is sure to raise interest, for a feel-good, mature romance, titled Indira, directed by newbie

Vinu Vijay

. The film started its shoot earlier this week in Kochi and is based on a story, written by writer-director Shanu Samad, that went hugely viral on social media.

“The story had won a drama award in Canada and then, it was late scriptwriter John Paul sir, who pointed out it had the scope to be made into a film. It is a beautiful, poem-like tale. It is a story that appealed to everyone, so even the smaller roles are done by established actors,” says Vinu. The film also features Anju Kurian, Mukesh, Salim Kumar, Rony David and Rachana Narayankutty among others.

Speaking about the lead pair, the director says, “When we thought of doing the film, Asha Sharath was the only option for the female lead. Guru sir’s love story in Minnal Murali had really touched a chord with audiences, so I was keen to rope him in. Also, his character is of someone who has returned to Kerala after working in Mumbai, so Guru sir’s style of speaking is apt for the role.”

Vinu says mature love stories are few, but have a connect with audiences. “For every 25 youthful love stories made, we have only one mature one. But there is a real interest in such relationships, as can be seen in Lunchbox or ‘96. The aim is to show how a relationship develops, without cliches, between two people who are lonely in life, starting small and growing into a strong bond,” he says.

Shiju M Bhaskar

is the cinematographer, Ayoob Khan is the editor and music is by Kedar.