Malayalam Short Film ‘Lighter’ Marks the Directorial Debut of Composer-Actor Sooraj S Kurup

The recently released Malayalam short film Lighter has made a significant splash in the film circuit, showcasing the directorial debut of acclaimed composer-actor Sooraj S Kurup. The 15-minute thriller delves into the unsettling dynamics between two friends, Sunny and Mathew, who encounter unexpected twists during a late-night drinking session at a hotel bar. The film’s edgy narrative not only highlights Kurup’s versatility but also reflects his understanding of complex human interactions.

Background on Sooraj S Kurup

Sooraj S Kurup is a name familiar to many in the Malayalam film industry, primarily known for his work as a music composer. After starting his career as an assistant director with the film August Club, he forged a successful path in audio engineering and composition, contributing to notable films like Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti, Luca, and Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho. Despite his accomplishments in music, Kurup had long harbored dreams of directing, which prompted him to embark on this project.

The Storyline of ‘Lighter’

In the film, Sunny and Mathew’s seemingly innocuous venture into a hotel bar spirals into a chilling sequence of events. Initially, the duo makes lewd remarks towards a waitress, unsettling both her and the bartender, played by Kurup himself. As the plot unfolds, the tension escalates, revealing the complexities hidden beneath the surface of their interactions. Kurup notes that Lighter reflects his interest in realistic storytelling, inspired by his own experiences while traveling and staying at various accommodations. “Whenever I traveled and stayed at hotels/motels, I would imagine certain scenarios that could happen there,” he revealed regarding the film’s origins.

Creative Challenges and Development

As a first-time director, Kurup faced the daunting challenge of engaging viewers with a familiar genre. He acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining audience interest, stating, “It is tricky. The audience is familiar with a lot of content in this genre, and I could not dish out anything just for the sake of it.” The creative process, as he describes it, was akin to walking a tightrope, balancing the tension and maintaining credibility within the narrative. To bring the story to life, Kurup collaborated closely with his friends from the creative agency Reel Tribe, who encouraged him to turn his story idea into a short film.

Cast and Crew Insights

Sooraj expressed his appreciation for the actors Hrusheekesh Anilkumar and Jithin Puthanchery, who played the roles of Sunny and Mathew, respectively. Jithin is recognized for his performances in films like Tharangam, Pathinettam Padi, and Ajayante Randam Moshanam. Hrusheekesh, a relative newcomer in acting, is a co-founder of Reel Tribe and had previously worked as a content creator. Kurup praised their on-screen chemistry, noting their natural rapport filled the characters with authenticity, enhancing the film’s dynamic.

Creative Process and Musical Score

In addition to directing, Kurup also composed the film’s score, highlighting his dedication to the project’s overall sound design. He emphasized the importance of minimal music in order to keep the audience engaged in the unfolding drama. “I love to work with the overall audiography of any project,” he explained, underlining the integral role sound plays in storytelling.

Feedback and Future Aspirations

After the film’s premiere in Kochi, which attracted significant attention from industry professionals and film aficionados alike, Kurup experienced a wave of relief as the feedback from peers and audiences was overwhelmingly positive. He reflected on his early career anxieties, admitting concerns about the perception of his debut. “Had I been a fresher in the industry, things would have been different… Thankfully, I got encouraging responses from all quarters,” she noted.

Moving Forward

Sooraj Kurup’s journey as a filmmaker may be just beginning, but his excitement and passion for the craft are palpable. He credits the unwavering support from his friends and collaborators for motivating him to take this significant step in his career. “In fact, they are on a high about the success of Lighter. They genuinely wanted me to succeed,” he remarked, underscoring the community aspect of filmmaking.

With the streaming of Lighter on YouTube, viewers now have the opportunity to explore Kurup’s creative vision and the intricacies he skillfully portrays through this short film. For the Malayalam film industry, Lighter stands as a testament to the evolving landscape, where multifaceted artists are stepping beyond their established roles to create engaging and impactful narratives.