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Seasoned filmmaker Amal Neerad, renowned for his cult-status movies like Big B and Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded, has once again taken the director’s seat with Bougainvillea, starring Fahadh Faasil and Kunchako Boban. After captivating audiences with his blockbuster Bheeshma Parvam in 2022, Neerad is back with his latest venture, Bougainvillea. The much-anticipated film’s first look poster has finally been revealed, offering a glimpse into the “red” world crafted by Neerad.
Amal Neerad Brings Back His Action and Aesthetics
Neerad, who started as a cinematographer with Ranjith’s Black, starring Mammootty, in 2004, made his directorial debut in 2007 with Big B, a film that not only became a trendsetter but redefined the way action movies were shot in the Malayalam film industry. Over the years, Neerad has delivered a series of hit films, including Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded, Anwar, Bachelor Party, Iyobinte Pustakam, Comrade in America, Varathan, and most recently, Bheeshma Parvam.
The Vision Behind Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea promises to be another remarkable addition to Neerad’s filmography. This time, he brings together a younger ensemble cast, aiming to capture a fresh and dynamic narrative. The film is based on Lajo Jose’s 2019 novel Ruthinte Lokam (a rare thriller-genre Malayalam-language novel) and has been co-written by Neerad and Jose. The story’s adaptation to the screen is expected to retain the novel’s intriguing and thrilling plot while offering Neerad’s trademark cinematic experience.
The Cast and Crew
As revealed by the posters released on Instagram and other social media sites, the casting of Bougainvillea features some of Malayalam cinema’s finest talents. Leading the cast are Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, and Jyothirmayi. This film marks a significant milestone for Jyothirmayi, as it is her comeback to the silver screen after an 11-year hiatus. Supporting roles are ably handled by Sharaf U Dheen, Veena Nandakumar, and Srinda, promising a well-rounded and engaging performance ensemble.
The film’s production is a joint venture between Amal Neerad Productions and Udaya Pictures, with Jyothirmayi and Kunchacko Boban taking on producer roles. The technical team comprises some of the industry’s top technicians, with music by Sushin Shyam (Aavesham, Manjummel Boys), cinematography by Anend C. Chandran (Premam, Bheeshma Parvam), and editing by Vivek Harshan (Big B, Manjummel Boys), ensuring that the film’s technical aspects will be top-notch.
Principal photography for Bougainvillea commenced in September 2023 and wrapped up in April 2024. The production was carried out with a high degree of secrecy, adding to the intrigue and anticipation surrounding the film. The filming locations, while kept under wraps, are expected to feature Neerad’s signature visual style, characterised by breathtaking landscapes and meticulously crafted scenes.
Musical Score and Technical Excellence
Sushin Shyam, known for his innovative and hauntingly beautiful compositions, is the film’s music composer. His work in previous films has been critically acclaimed, and fans eagerly await the soundtrack of Bougainvillea. Cinematographer Anend C. Chandran and editor Vivek Harshan, both stalwarts in their respective fields, are expected to bring Neerad’s vision to life with their expertise.
Jyothirmayi’s Comeback
Jyothirmayi’s return to cinema with Bougainvillea is one of the film’s most talked-about aspects. Her performance is highly anticipated, and her involvement in both acting and production roles signifies a significant step in her career. Her comeback adds a layer of emotional depth and nostalgia to the project, especially for her long-time fans.
With Bougainvillea, Amal Neerad is set to once again mesmerise audiences with his distinctive style and storytelling prowess. The film’s first-look poster has already generated significant buzz, and expectations are sky-high for this collaboration with Fahadh Faasil and the rest of the talented cast. As the release date approaches, fans can look forward to another cinematic masterpiece that blends action, emotion, and visual splendour.
