Malayalam film ‘Parole’ is based on a true story

Mammootty and Iniya in ‘Parole’. Working for five years as a jail warden meant fodder for a writer like Ajith Poojapura. It is within the prison walls that his story of the recently released Malayalam film Parole grew.

Directed by ad filmmaker Sharrath Sandith, the film has Mammootty playing Alex, a communist whose life takes a beating due to unfortunate circumstances. Poojapura, who worked at the district and central jail in Kerala, wrote Alex’s story following interactions with a prisoner. “It is based on true incidents from the latter’s life,” he said.

For this Mammootty admirer, Parole was a dream come true. “Meeting Mammootty in person and watching him give life to my protagonist was unbelievable,” he said.

Interestingly, Parole was filmed at the same jail in Bengaluru where Mammootty’s noted film Yatra was filmed.

Iniya plays Alex’s wife and Mia George is Alex’s sister. The supporting cast includes Suraj Venjaramoodu, Siddique and Lalu Alex. Parole is a family entertainer carrying a message, Poojapura said.

Poojapura, who has been winning prizes for writing, painting and stage performances since school, knew that his heart lay in the creative world. After working in Oman for two years as a designer in a company, he returned to India. His creative urges found an outlet through short films and documentaries. His documentary Abhyarthikal fetched him the Adoor Bhasi award for Best Direction. His debut directorial film, Anghanethanne Nethave Anjettennam Pinnale, a political satire, released in 2016.

Parole, produced by Anthony D Cruz, releases in UAE today.