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Meesha director Emcy Joseph: 'It's harder to write for films than for books because...'
Meesha director Emcy Joseph: 'It's harder to write for films than for books because...'

Hindustan Times

time03-08-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Hindustan Times

Meesha director Emcy Joseph: 'It's harder to write for films than for books because...'

Malayalam director Emcy Joseph's latest directorial, Meesha, had a theatrical release on August 1. Both the story and the performances in the film are receiving positive reviews. In an interview with OTTplay, the film's director, who also wrote its screenplay, stated that penning for films is more difficult than working for novels. Meesha's director Emcy Joseph 'Writing for films is difficult' Emcy underlined that writing for film is more difficult since the filmmaker has to consider the practical aspects of production. "When creating each scene, we have to keep the entire filmmaking process in mind. In the meanwhile, writing a book is simpler since we can use our imaginations and those of the readers to the fullest," he remarked. While filming is a difficult procedure, the director stated that one's responsibility does not stop with writing the script and making it visually feasible. He went on to say that while literature transports readers to another universe, film requires a compelling aspect. He went on to say that the people he has come across throughout his life serve as inspiration for the characters he writes. "I am not particularly skilled at making up characters. I have the ability to develop ideas further in a flow once I am inspired," he remarked. 'Want to make films with relevant subjects' During the candid conversation, Emcy stated that he wants to create films that tackle pertinent themes. "After directing my first movie, I became aware of the type of filmmaker I wanted to become. I like to write stories that are socially relevant and make me think about why I should tell them to the audience," he stated. The director continued by stating that he would rather be known as Vikruthi's director than vice versa and that the art is more significant than the person who creates it. "I have never worried about losing my popularity or being forgotten by the public. Even if no one knows me, I want my films to be remembered,' he added.

‘Meesha' explores the shades of grey in male friendships, says director Emcy Joseph
‘Meesha' explores the shades of grey in male friendships, says director Emcy Joseph

The Hindu

time31-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Hindu

‘Meesha' explores the shades of grey in male friendships, says director Emcy Joseph

Emcy Joseph's Meesha is an ode to friendship, but different from the saccharine 'bros before everything' bromances. The film, which releases on August 1, is about two friends and the ups and downs in their bond. The relationship between the two friends, from very different social backgrounds, oscillates between various emotional states, the most basic being love (not romantic) and hate as they learn to live with each other's choices, often misunderstanding their motives. Although the film explores the greys of a friendship, the characters have an inherent goodness to them. The proverbial toxic masculinity is absent. Hakkim Shah, Kathir, Jeo Baby, Sudhi Koppa and Shine Tom Chacko headline Meesha. The film traverses locales — from the calm coast to the intense forest with its wildlife — where the characters face their not-so pleasant side. The tussle between man and beast represents the war within the characters as they face their true feelings. The latter part of the film, as it moves towards the climax, is metaphor heavy. 'Meesha is about male friendships, the essence of which, I feel, has been diluted. Male friendships have been reduced to togetherness and 'happiness'. There are so many 'friends' — virtual, gym, rider, college, office buddies. I am speaking of that handful of friends with whom we have an emotional connection. And such bonds come with commitments — deeply emotional ones —and I am talking about those in Meesha,' says Emcy. Excerpts from an interview The right actors Casting is the most important thing when I make a film. Suraj ettan (Venjaramoodu) got a Kerala State Film Award for my first film, which made me very happy. I want to continue that high, and I hope one of the actors in this film also gets an award because they have all done very well. They have put forth fantastic performances. I was particular that all the actors/characters should 'perform' in it. Though the characters I have written have an arc, the clarity comes when the 'body' (the actors) steps in. The character grows with their arrival, not on the sets but during pre-production discussions. I don't discuss the character on the set, I just tell them what they shouldn't do. At the end of the day, the director cannot become the character, give it body. That only an actor can. And often, when actors put forth the performance, I as a director, can only think… 'wow! I didn't think of it that way!'. So, Meesha is different from other 'friendship' films? Besides love and affection in friendships, there could be a dash of jealousy, anger and even obsession. Disappointment that our friends did not act the way we expected them to. These are emotions that would be absent in the 'passive' friendships I mentioned earlier, however the deeper bonds would have all these emotions. Even ego for that matter…that is the kind of friends and friendships we are speaking about in the film. What led to it [Meesha]? The inspiration came from real life incidents, of course. There is this thing I wanted to show — the male ego which makes us behave like we are unaffected by the emotions. We twirl our moustaches in pride. My attempt is to offer a peek into what is behind the pretence of being egotistical and indifferent, men can be deeply emotional, feel disappointment, and sadness when it comes to friendships. The camaraderie in male friendships is celebrated, however it has several other layers like any other relationship. Like we do with our mothers, wives or kids…we feel the same gamut of emotions when it comes to our friends too. This is not something we see often in Malayalam cinema — the not-so-sweet side of male friendships. Yes, there are few films in that space which speak of the greys of male friendships. Amidst films that speak of the celebration that friendship is, Meesha is different. Are you a social observer, having made a film like Vikrithi also inspired by a real life incident? I think all of us who live in this world are social observers, we are watching what is happening around us. We cannot live otherwise, if we don't and are unaware of what is going on, we will be irrelevant to others — our words, thoughts and actions. We are with the times because we observe our surroundings. I wish to make films that are socially relevant. I don't want to be preachy, it is showing people a mirror. It's been a while since Vikrithi. It's been four years since. We started filming a movie with Arjun Ashokan and Anna Ben, during the second wave of Covid-19. Everything was ready when we had to hit pause; that is when I started writing this. Writing Meesha took a couple of years. While that one was about 40-odd women, Meesha is about men! (laughs). Can we expect that next? I am not sure if that will be my next film, but it will happen at some point. If it had happened then it would have been back to back films. Are you somebody who likes to make movies back to back, or would you prefer to pace yourself? I would definitely like to do that. It is important that I get the subjects that I want to make films about. However, I would like to make films closer to each other and it might happen now because I have a couple of scripts ready. Meesha releases in theatres on August 1

‘Meesha' teaser: Shine Tom Chacko and Hakim Shah starrer promises a gripping tale of survival and suspense—WATCH
‘Meesha' teaser: Shine Tom Chacko and Hakim Shah starrer promises a gripping tale of survival and suspense—WATCH

Time of India

time23-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Time of India

‘Meesha' teaser: Shine Tom Chacko and Hakim Shah starrer promises a gripping tale of survival and suspense—WATCH

(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The teaser for 'Meesha,' the highly anticipated Malayalam film from director Emcy Joseph , has officially dropped—and it promises a haunting, emotionally charged journey into the wild. The teaser promises to tell a tale of survival, shifting loyalties, and the hidden dangers of trust. Starring the 'Pariyerum Perumal' fame actor Kathir, 'Meesha' marks his much-awaited Malayalam debut. Impressive teaser The teaser unfolds in a thick forest where every glance hints at betrayal and there is an air of mystery all over. Hakim Shah and Shine Tom Chacko 's performances seem to be the main highlight of this intense thriller helmed by the 'Vikrithi' director. The final teaser line—'trust is a fragile thread, and the forest watches it fray'—sets the tone for a taut, psychological thriller. Prepare for a story where nature is as much a character as the humans caught within it. Meesha - Official Teaser | Emcy Joseph | Kathir | Shine Tom Chacko | Hakim Shah Movie buffs seem to be impressed by the teaser. One netizen commented, "Adipoly... We are waiting..." Another comment read, "Kathir, welcome to the Malayalam industry." A third one commented, "Kathir Daa…Perumal (loving hearts emojis). Overall, the expectation levels are quite high for the Shine Tom Chacko and Hakim Shah starrer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Can Book Maximum Profits in Option Trading with Mr. Gopal Laxman Rekha Strategy ! TradeWise Learn More Undo The technical crew Director Emcy Joseph and the technical crew of 'Meesha' boast names like Suresh Rajan (cinematography), Manoj (editing), and Sooraj S Kurup (music). Makesh Mohanan handles art direction, while Bijith Dharmadam captures stills from the set. With Kathir's intense screen presence and Emcy Joseph's storytelling finesse, Meesha is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Malayalam thrillers this year. The film also features Jeo Baby, Srikant Murali, Sudhi Koppa, Unni Laalu, and Hasli in pivotal roles. On the other hand, Shine Tom Chacko recently impressed the audiences with his performances in 'Daaku Maharaaj' and 'Good Bad Ugly.'

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