EXCLUSIVE! Jis Joy on Asif Ali starrer ‘Innale Vare’: Kunchacko Boban’s call gave birth to this movie

It was like any other night. Jis Joy was in his casuals, taking a stroll through the sidewalks of MG road, Kochi. It was about half-past 10 and drizzling. The wet roads glistened as the orange glow of the street lights fell on them. Suddenly his phone rang. Kunchacko Boban’s photo and name floated across the mobile phone screen. Jis Joy raised eyebrows in surprise, as it was rather atypical of Kunchacko Boban to call post 9 at night since he is an early bird.Upon picking the call, Jis Joy asks Kunchacko Boban where he was, and the latter replies, “Kadavanthara. I am walking.” “But, it's drizzling. Have you taken the car? Do you want me to pick you?,” Jis Joy quizzed. “No. It’s been a while since I walked in the rain. I’ll walk home,” Kunchacko Boban said. Since it was an unusual time for Kunchacko Boban to call Jis Joy enquired if the call had a motive, and he said, “No, I just dialed.”
Though the call got disconnected, Jis Joy stood frozen, lost in thoughts. It won’t be wrong to say that he experienced a glitch in time. “Jis,” he could feel the mumbled voice growing louder, and he retracted to reality. It was his friend, walking with him, asking if he was okay, and Jis Joy detailed the unusual call he received.
“I recalled the conversation over and over in my head after disconnecting the call. That unexpected call felt like an omen. There was something extremely gripping about that dialogue I had with Kunchacko Boban. While walking back to the car, I detailed the incident to my friend. And asked if it wouldn’t be utmost engaging if the call had a certain ‘meaning’ or back story to it. My friend was awed and so was I,” says Jis Joy in an exclusive conversation with ETimes.
“The following morning I dialed scriptwriter duo Sanjay-Bobby, and conveyed the incident. We discuss stories very often, but not all result in a movie. Every time we discussed a story or thread, Sanjay would ask me to sleep on it and come back only if the story is in my head after 24 hours. It’s only worth making if it sticks to me. This was one such story. Next day I spoke with Sanjay and he too affirmed that there was something compelling about the idea and it is extremely distinct from what I have done so far. All thanks to Kunchacko Boban! His call gave birth to this movie!” the filmmaker added.
The upcoming movie ‘Innale Vare’ features Asif Ali, Nimisha Sajayan and Antony Varghese in the lead roles.
Jis Joy also opens up that finding a title for the film was a herculean task, since the title is pivotal, “Though we completed shooting for the film, we weren’t able to find a title. After the shoot we all agreed to a certain title, however, none of us were excited about it. This is perhaps the title, for which I have spent the most time. The title ‘Innale Vare’ came last minute. And that too was nothing short of dramatic. Asif Ali came for dinner to my house, and while I saw his car passing the gate, the title ‘Innale Vare’ popped up in my mind. Though the writers and I had decided to not change the title we had already settled upon, I dialed them immediately, and they were impressed. Asif Ali too was thrilled.”
Jis Joy affirms that he is stepping foot in uncharted waters with ‘Innale Vare’, as the movie is a thriller and distinct from the films he has delivered in the past. “‘Innale Vare’ is distinct from the feel-good movies I have done in the past. Interestingly, this is also the first time my directorial is having a Malayalam title! The film revolves around some incidents that happen in a span of 4-5 days. Like the elements in the first-look poster suggests, ‘Innale Vare’ has something to do with time. It speaks about the value of time in our lives, the value of dignity, and how to handle success, and I hope it will resonate with the audience,” he added.

Asif Ali has roped in to play the central character of Adi Shankar, while Nimisha Sajayan and Antony Varghese will be seen essaying the roles of Shani, and Sharath, respectively.

Filmmaker Jis Joy is known for his light-hearted films, but his forthcoming ‘Innale Vare’ is breaking the pattern, and when asked about what prompted the filmmaker to direct a thriller, he said, “I felt, as a filmmaker, I should try my hands at all. At this point, people would only expect such light-hearted films from me. Though it is exciting to get that sort of trust and fanbase, I feel I shouldn’t restrict myself to a single genre. I don't want to be predictable or stereotyped as a filmmaker who can only do a certain genre of films. Also, ‘Innale Vare’ was destined to happen. Casting Asif Ali, Nimisha Sajayan, and Antony Vargese in the lead roles too was foreordained. Because they are some of the most sought-after actors in contemporary Malayalam cinema. Nimisha Sajayan was on a tight schedule, yet she made time because the script was riveting. ”

Jis Joy sums up by sharing that the post-production works are nearing completion and the film is gearing towards release.