Director Girish AD opens up about his collaboration with superstar Nivin Pauly and how 'Bethlehem Kudumba Unit' became an Onam sensation.

  • Bethlehem Kudumba Unit grossed over Rs 110 crore worldwide.
  • Director Girish AD describes Nivin Pauly as the perfect 'boy-next-door'.
  • The film was produced by the prestigious Bhavana Studios.

Acclaimed Malayalam director Girish AD has once again proven that grounded storytelling can achieve massive commercial success. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, the director behind the hit 'Premalu' shared insights into his latest venture, 'Bethlehem Kudumba Unit', and his first-ever collaboration with superstar Nivin Pauly.

Since his debut in 2019, Girish AD has become synonymous with 'slice-of-life' cinema. His films, including 'Thanneer Mathan Dinangal' and 'Super Sharanya', focus on the awkwardness and beauty of everyday human emotions. With 'Bethlehem Kudumba Unit', produced by Bhavana Studios (owned by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil, and Syam Pushkaran), he successfully integrated a major star into his signature realistic universe, resulting in a massive Onam hit grossing over Rs 110 crore.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Girish AD’s ability to balance star power with realistic characterization is a rare feat in contemporary Indian cinema. Unlike many directors who pivot toward high-octane commercialism after a hit, Girish remains committed to his intuitive process and relatable characters, ensuring that the 'star' never overshadows the 'story'.

Girish AD has mastered the art of making the extraordinary feel incredibly ordinary.

When asked about his choice of lead, Girish noted that Nivin Pauly was a long-time inspiration. "Nivin just feels like a boy next door—like the heroes I like," he remarked. He emphasized that Pauly embraced the role of an older man falling in love without any hesitation, showcasing the actor's versatility and commitment to the craft.

A Unique Approach to Casting

A hallmark of Girish's filmmaking is his refusal to cast 'glamorous' actors. He prefers performers who look and behave like the people audiences encounter in their daily lives. This philosophy has helped him discover and nurture talents like Naslen and Mamitha Baiju, who have since become significant names in the industry.

Did You Know?: Girish AD had been carrying the core idea for 'Bethlehem Kudumba Unit' since 2019!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who produced 'Bethlehem Kudumba Unit'?
The film was produced by Bhavana Studios, a collective involving Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil, and Syam Pushkaran.

2. What is the box office status of the film?
The film has been a massive success, grossing more than Rs 110 crore worldwide.