Films Need to Tell Authentic, Rooted Stories: Prithviraj Sukumaran on Kaapa

When Saregama & Theatre Of Dreams latest Malayalam production 'Kaapa' released in theatres on December 22, 2022, the rousing audience response instantly proved that the film had broken new ground.   The Shaji Kailas directorial headlined by Prithviraj Sukumaran in a charismatic and gritty avatar,  is set in the crime-ridden underbelly of Thiruvananthapuram and has won praise for redefining the gangster genre in Malayalam cinema.  While critics are praising its hyperlocal setting and transcendent story that depicts the vulnerabilities and compulsions of hardened gangsters, the film, even in its third week,  is drawing huge crowds.  

Based on the novel 'Shankumukhi' by GR Indugopan, the film also stars Aparna Balamurali, Asif Ali, Anna Ben and traces the rise of a gang leader who turns into a politician.  
 
Siddharth Anand Kumar, Vice President - Films and Events at Saregama India’s Yoodlee Films says, "The audience response to the film has been unbelievable and the theatres are filled with audiences even in the third week. This overwhelming love and appreciation vindicates our belief that regional stories like 'Kaapa' are now redefining the rules of pan-Indian entertainment. We always knew this film was going to be special as it brings together some of the leading lights of the Malayalam film industry like the absolutely brilliant Prithviraj Sukumaran, Asif Ali and the visionary director Shaji Kailas. We would love to go on exploring more hyperlocal stories that have the kind of universal resonance that 'Kaapa' has. This is just the beginning."  
 
Prithviraj Sukumaran adds,  "Playing a character like Kotta Madhu was challenging because he  rules his world with an iron fist and yet, abides by a certain version of right and wrong. This film has a very strong story and that I believe is the key to making good cinema today.  Kaapa's success speaks for itself and I am glad that Saregama shares my belief that films need to tell authentic, rooted stories and breakthrough formulaic making once and for all.  We are thrilled with the way fans are appreciating the film."
 
Director Shaji Kailas says, "The film's thumping success has underscored our belief in it. All of us were driven by the same need to tell a unique story that stays true to the backdrop it is set in. The fact that the audiences and the critics have equally loved it shows that authentic storytelling is here to stay."

Co-producer Jinu Abraham of Theatre Of Dreams says, "The time of pan-Indian cinema has finally arrived. 'Kaapa', we believe, is not just about a specific milieu but will appeal to everyone who loves good cinema and appreciates a story that is well-told and powerfully enacted. Working with Saregama and the entire cast and crew of this very special project has been a dream come true and we hope to collaborate and co-create many more successful films."