Auditions were held for transgender actors by the makers of the new Malayalam movie Viral 2019. The event held on Sunday at the IMA Hall, Kochi was judged by Riya Isha – Kerala’s first transgender fashion designer.
According to a Manorama report, the event was attended by more than 100 transgender persons. Viral 2019, produced by Noushad Alathur has been making waves for the manner in which the makers have been casting actors and hiring technicians.
The team tried to implement a democratized process while hiring technicians and selecting the story for the movie. “A short storyline of five persons will be selected and posted on Facebook and one of the stories will be selected by the public,” says the producer to IE.
“Ninety per cent of the actors will be newcomers,” he adds. “Youth can post their profiles and excellence in arts and cultural activities online and the public will decide the hero and heroine. The release date will also be decided by social media followers.”
Noushad is also hiring people who have gone viral, and are talented. One such is Pranav, a disabled person who was born without hands. He appeared on TV and demonstrated his ability to paint with his leg. “Noushad sir telephoned and asked me whether I could do a role in the film,” says Pranav
“This morning, Noushad sir and Alathur MLA K D Prasannan came and gave me Rs 10,000 as advance for the film. Noushad sir had seen me perform in a comedy programme in a Malayalam channel and I look forward to acting and singing in Viral 2019,” Pranav told the New Indian Express.
“If the film is a hit, we intend to help Pranav financially,” Noushad added.
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“We also plan to offer a chance to sing to Rakesh Unni, the worker who was invited by Kamal Hassan after hearing him perform the song from Viswaroopam,” said the producer who has made movies like Kuttanadan Marpappa, Aadupuliyaattam and Thoppil Joppan.
Also part of the team of Viral 2019 is actress Sethulakshmi who was struggling to meet the medical expenses of her ailing son. Sethu Lakshmi will be writing a song for the movie, according to a report. Hanan, a schoolgirl who won instant fame after her video selling fish went viral on social media has also been offered a part in the movie.
Viral 2019 will go on floors by May.
Image Courtesy: Manorama Online