After starting out his career with a negative role in the Malayalam film Teja Bhai & Family, Rajeev Pillai has been bagging some good roles in Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi films. The latest in his kitty is the film titled Payyamvally Chandu. To be directed by Salim Baba, the film’s shooting is slated to commence on August 27 this year.

Speaking about the role he had etched out for Rajeev Pillai, Salim had told the Deccan Chronicle, “I had this idea for the past three years and found a producer Dr Aravind who was keen to invest in it. I decided to cast Rajeev in the lead because he has the right physique for the role. He will also be learning a lot of kalari to lend authenticity to the character.” Dr Aravind, Chengiz Khan, Babu Antony, Suresh Krishna, Abu Salim, Bheeman Raghu etc. are also in the star cast pointed out the director, adding that everyone in it has a crucial role to play.

Touted to be a historical film, Payyamvally Chandu will have Iniya playing the female lead along with debutant Niharika S Mohan, added Salim Baba. Stating that Rajeev will be undergoing special training in Kalari, a martial art, as his role demands it, the director pointed out that being a martial arts exponent himself, he would do complete justice to the film.

The shooting of this film will begin on August 27 at Vadakkancherri and continue at various locations including Ottapallam and Palakkad. The film is being bankrolled by Dr Aravind, who is also playing an important role in it.

Salim Baba’s debut was with the movie Rapid Action Force in 2000 and he has directed films such as Mohitham, Pramukhan, and Valiyangadi. His last directorial venture was Gunda which hit the marquee in 2014. 

(Content provided by Digital Native)