Debutant Arfaz Ayub helmed the upcoming Malayalam film, Level Cross, which is all set to hit the big screen on July 26. The director wrote the screenplay for the film, which features Sharaf U Dheen, Amala Paul, and Asif Ali in the lead. The young filmmaker elaborates on the thriller and the difficulties he encountered while filming it in a North African desert in an interview with OTTplay.

Which genre would you define Level Cross since the trailer clearly suggests a thriller with suspenseful lead characters?

The movie is set in an imaginary world where two people from different social backgrounds cross paths in an unexpected setting and circumstance. You could characterise it as a slow-burning thriller with a strong sense of drama. Though it has its own entertaining and commercial aspects, some may mistake it for an arthouse project. In addition, it is an experimental movie that takes place in a location the viewer cannot find particularly relatable. Both the setting and every character are fictional. Overall, the story is handled differently than we have seen in Malayalam films.

How did you decide on the casting?

I consider myself lucky to have the actors who first came to mind for this movie. Approaching Amala Paul was not a simple task. After three or four months of unsuccessful attempts to get in touch with her, producers pushed me to move forward with plan B. Although we were forced to choose, I did not enjoy the second plan, which involved casting a different actress.

Later, Jeethu Sir assisted me in getting in touch with Amala, who quickly agreed to be in the movie. The character of Asif Ali is focused on performance. Having artists that are easy to work with was important to me. Asif is a talented and humble actor. Sharaf U Deen joined the project right away because he thought it was both intriguing as well as challenging.

What posed the biggest obstacle for you while the filming was underway?

The movie was filmed in Tunisia, North Africa, in a desert close to the Sahara. Originally, we were going to film in Rajasthan, but when I went to Morocco for Jeethu Sir's Ram, I liked the place, but it was far too expensive for our film. I was confident in my choice that the film's setting would have to be ethereal and unlike anything that Malayalis would typically see.

I eventually located this spot in Tunisia and made an effort to persuade the producers. The most difficult aspect, though, was the short time frame I had for filming because of the actors' schedules. Project rescheduling would add eight more months to the delay. I knew that I could work things out. Setting up a set in a location that is far from the main road laid out another difficulty. It was a big task to have to make a path for the set. However, we got started on the project with confidence, and the producers recognised the potential of the movie and trusted our judgement.

Filmmakers these days are additionally focused on achieving enormous box office success. Have you ever experienced pressure to maintain the industry's winning streak?

While I am not concerned with making an excessive amount of money or breaking records, I do not want my producers to suffer a loss. I want the movie to be well received by viewers, and I look forward to hearing what they think of our efforts. This is very important to me since it is my first movie and it will determine my future in this industry. All I can hope for is the best.

When the posters and teaser were released, the most common comment was made about how Asif Ali's appearance in this movie was similar to that of his character in the 2010 movie, Ordinary. Did you initially feel the same way?

No, after seeing the movie, one would realise that the characters have nothing in common. Ronex Xavier, myself, and Linta Jeethu designed the look. I was feeding them both my thoughts on the character all the time. Asif was also very helpful and gave numerous trials. Although the makeup and costumes can easily make someone look like that, the character is ultimately convincing due to the actor's performance and demeanour. Asif is extremely skilled at it.

In what way do you think the audience will react when Level Cross opens in theatres?

Our audience, in my opinion, is the best, and they are largely responsible for our industry's success in producing so many incredible films on a wide range of subjects. Filmmakers from other industries can accomplish the same things, it is just that their audiences are different. When people fail to relate to or comprehend a movie, it fails. Therefore, producers will think twice to investing money in such content-driven films.

The Malayalam film industry is shaped by its audience, who chooses films based on merit. I hope Level Cross receives the love and support it is due. I definitely do not want to exaggerate or speak highly of my work. Level Cross would undoubtedly make for an exceptional cinematic experience in theatres. The film creates a mood and gently transports you to an imaginary setting where the characters seem to unravel It will eventually take you on an emotional journey.

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