The distinct white and blue NASA sweatshirt that Arun Chandu often sports is a clear hint of his fascination with space. The excitement around the success of his sci-fi mockumentary, ‘Gaganachari’, at the box office is palpable as he settles down for an engaging conversation. “Anyone who knows me is aware of my passion for space and my admiration for Carl Sagan. I even have a ‘Njaan Gandharvan’ poster with Carl Sagan’s face replacing Nitish Bharadwaj’s,” he shares with a laugh.
‘Gaganachari’, a sci-fi mockumentary set in a post-apocalyptic future, is luring audiences of all ages to theaters. This film has emerged as an unexpected hit in the Malayalam film circuit of 2024. Its backdrop is an earth grappling with the threats of alien invasions, climate change, and extreme political ideologies. Filmed using the found footage technique, the narrative zooms in on three characters — Ganesh Kumar, Aju Varghese, and Gokul Suresh — whose lives spiral into chaos with the arrival of an alien named Aliyama, portrayed by Anarkali Marakkar.
The humor in ‘Gaganachari’ serves to soften its socio-political commentary, a balance that Arun has executed with finesse. Replete with references to Malayalam pop culture, the film resonates with viewers while not losing its light-hearted tone. Arun, an ardent fan of mockumentaries, has a special liking for the horror-comedy series ‘What We Do In The Shadows’. He says, “After watching it, I was inspired to create something political that conveyed hard-hitting truths through a mockumentary format, but in an entertaining tone so that no one could take offense.”
Ganesh Kumar delivers a stellar performance as the middle-aged alien hunter Victor Vasudevan, showcasing impeccable comic timing. “I wrote the character with Ganesh sir in mind,” Arun reveals. “His south Kerala style and his enthusiasm for the project were evident from the start, which undoubtedly enriched the film.”
Gokul Suresh, with whom Arun has previously collaborated on ‘Sayanna Varthakal’ (2018), aligns with him on climate issues and UFO-related conspiracies. Their shared ideologies have strengthened their working relationship. Arun’s journey in the film industry began with the publicity design for Vineeth Sreenivasan’s ‘Thattathin Marayathu’ (2012), where he first teamed up with Aju Varghese.
Contrasting typical post-apocalyptic films often set in desolate deserts, ‘Gaganachari’ envisions a world devastated by water. Arun explains, “Living in Aranmula, where heavy rains cause flooding, has always been a nightmare rather than a romantic experience.
. My mother, along with our pet dog, stays there, and every heavy rain brings anxiety. This personal reality inspired the film’s setting in a waterlogged post-apocalyptic future.”
The film’s making was a daily challenge, from convincing producers to working with actors who were initially skeptical about the mockumentary’s potential. However, the experimental project received a positive boost from its reception at various film festivals, including a notable response at the Kerala Pop Con held at PVR Cinemas, Lulu Mall, Kochi, in January 2024.
The script and filming, accomplished during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, meant a three-year delay before the film’s release in theaters. Yet, Arun views this as a fortunate break. “A three-year wait usually risks topics becoming outdated. But since ‘Gaganachari’ is set in the future, its delayed release worked in its favor as these themes remain current,” he adds.
As technology evolved, so did the film, incorporating advancements in AI and CGI within its modest budget, resulting in visually appealing yet restrained effects reminiscent of the sci-fi action film ‘District 9’.
During its run in around 60 film festivals, focusing on sci-fi and South Asian cinema, ‘Gaganachari’ won awards at nearly 25, including a standing ovation at the Pramana Asian Film Festival (2023) in Calabria, Italy. Arun cherishes this recognition, noting, “Cinema transcends language. Even if they didn’t grasp all the pop culture references, audiences understood the geo-political and climate narratives, and the novel submerged terrain.”
Initially conceived as a dark and gory take on an alien invasion, the film underwent significant changes following advice and discussions with industry friends like Aju Varghese and US-based writer Rahul Menon. The incorporation of humor made the concept more palatable during the pandemic’s grim reality.
The unexpected demographic of ‘Gaganachari’s’ audience — a mix of kids, parents, and viewers of all ages — underscores its broad appeal. Arun notes, “We aimed our promotional content at 18-25 year-olds but are thrilled to see families enjoying the film together.”
Looking ahead, Arun is excited about expanding the ‘Gaganachari’ universe, starting with his next project ‘Maniyan Chittappan’ starring Suresh Gopi. He predicts, “‘Gaganachari’ has vast potential, much like the Marvel universe.”
For now, ‘Gaganachari’ continues to draw crowds, affirming Fahadh Faasil’s belief in the openness and adaptability of Malayalam audiences to diverse cinematic experiences.
