Pearle learns ancient Fort Kochi slang for her film

Pearle Maaney has received bouquets and brickbats in equal measure for her 'non-Malayali' looks and style. But her very same looks have now won her the 'role of a lifetime', that of a Jewish girl in the upcoming film '

Kappiri Thuruthu

'. The movie, directed by debutant Saheer Ali, would capture on screen the past glory of Kochi. 'The film is set in the past, and I play a Jewish girl settled in Kochi. The Jews in Kochi lived very much like Malayalis, and so only my look will be different, with a veil over my head. I will be speaking the Fort Kochi slang of that age. I've been told to get it exactly right,' says the actress. In the film, Pearle's character falls in love with a Malayali boy, played by Adil Ibrahim. Interestingly, Pearle and Adil are co-hosts in a dance reality show.

On why she took up the film, she says, 'I just fell in love with the script instantly. More than the film's team benefitting from me, I will be learning from them.' While the love story forms the central thread, it is just part of the film, which will tell the story of the rich cultural past of Kochi, says the director. 'Kochi was much more than quotation gangs. People of different cultures co-existed in peace here and it was a model to the rest of the world. One of the motives of the film is to bring attention to that aspect.' But discrimination existed among Jews, and the dark-skinned Jews were not allowed into the major Jewish synagogue. 'They had to have another synagogue, and were looked down upon. All this finds a place in the film.'

However, Saheer is quick to add that Kappiri Thuruthu is no 'art film' and the story is told with humour. 'Our attempt is to show Kochi through the ages, told in flashback via these lovers, boatmen, teashop owners and the like. Musical legend Mehboob has a constant presence throughout the film, which will also be an exploration of his music, ' says the director.