Vinay Govind established himself as a noteworthy filmmaker with his initial two films, Kili Poyi and Kohinoor, showcasing his innovative concepts. Nevertheless, it has taken him ten years to release his third project, Get Set Baby, featuring Unni Mukundan, which is scheduled to premiere in theatres on February 21.

In a brief conversation, Vinay discusses the reasons behind the delay, the difficulties encountered in creating a film that tackles a delicate subject, what audiences can anticipate from the movie, and his experience collaborating with the star of Marco, Unni Mukundan.

Why did it take you a decade to do your third film, Get Set Baby? Especially, because it’s not the kind of film someone would spend so much time to make.

We had been contemplating the concept for Get Set Baby for quite some time. Initially, our intention was to pursue it after I completed directing Thaaram. However, due to the interruption in the filming of that project, we decided to proceed with this one first. During this period, one of the writers, YV Rajesh, met with Unni Mukundan and, while discussing other matters, presented this idea, which piqued Unni's interest.

At the outset, we did not have a specific actor in mind for the lead role. Unni's enthusiasm for the project brought a fresh perspective to the film. He has not participated in many lighthearted romantic comedies, and I have a strong affinity for both creating and enjoying this genre.

Get Set Baby represents a departure in the genre for me, as my previous works, Kili Poyi and Kohinoor, were a stoner film and a regional heist film, respectively. This new project aims to appeal to a broader audience, a conscious choice made after exploring niche genres. Consequently, I experienced some uncertainty. Nevertheless, the preparation I undertook for Thaaram proved beneficial for this film as well.

Romcom as a genre is popular, but there haven’t been enough hits except for Premalu lately in Malayalam.

Get Set Baby cannot be strictly categorized as a romantic comedy. It starts with a romantic comedy premise but gradually transitions into a family drama that explores a range of emotions. The film serves as an enjoyable experience, though it does not feature an abundance of laugh-out-loud moments. The narrative addresses a delicate and emotional subject related to pregnancy, which requires a careful approach. We have endeavoured to incorporate humour where possible, allowing the story to unfold in a light-hearted manner.

While the film centres on pregnancy, it is crafted by male writers and directors. What measures were taken to ensure its authenticity?

We are surrounded by women in our lives, which provides us with a foundation to explore this subject. Personally, I drew insights from my wife; her experience during childbirth served as a crucial reference for this film. As my wife navigated her pregnancy, I was simultaneously experiencing the journey of becoming a father. This personal involvement enabled me to connect deeply with the film's sensitive themes and consider them from a male perspective.

If someone were to inquire whether this reflects my own experiences, I would affirm, "Yes, this mirrors what I encountered while in the ICU during the delivery." Having gone through this routine alongside my wife significantly aided me in conveying my vision to the actors for specific scenes.

From the trailer, Get Set Baby seems to have taken the route of presenting this story to an urban audience.

In Kerala, our urban population remains deeply connected to their roots. Unlike the residents of cosmopolitan cities such as Mumbai, they do not experience a sense of alienation. Regardless of how urbanized we may consider ourselves, there is a collective appreciation for returning to our origins, whether that involves visiting our hometowns or savouring traditional home-cooked meals. In the context of this film, our challenge was to achieve a harmonious balance—crafting a romantic comedy that remains grounded in these cultural ties. This essence was inherently woven into the narrative we developed.

For both Kohinoor and Kili Poyi, you used humour effectively to introduce the audience to these different genres, which weren’t popular back then. Do you feel that humour is necessary for Malayali viewers, especially while dealing with serious or sensitive topics like IVF and surrogacy?

Certainly, as humour is universally appreciated. We, as Malayalis, possess a unique ability to uncover humour even in the most challenging situations. This talent is essential for our progress in life. When confronted with emotionally taxing topics such as IVF or surrogacy, which are both physically and financially strenuous and can be quite distressing, it is crucial to weave in an entertaining narrative. A story presented with clarity tends to resonate with a broader audience. This is the rationale behind the incorporation of humour in this film; however, it is executed with subtlety and respect.

Regarding the impact of having Unni as the lead, particularly following the success of Marco, it is noteworthy that he completed the filming of this project prior to his work on Marco. The success of the latter has significantly expanded the market for his films, allowing them to reach a much larger audience. This development instils a considerable amount of confidence in both us and our film.

Get Set Baby also has him in a role that he hasn’t done often, even though he has expressed interest.

He has consistently been an actor who seeks to bring something unique to each project he undertakes. KL 10 Patthu may be the sole film in which he has engaged in a lighthearted comedic role. In this production, it was evident that he was tasked with performing humorous scenes that aligned with his comfort level. Like many actors, Unni possesses an understanding of his own strengths and limitations. When he ventures into unfamiliar territory, it is natural for him to experience some uncertainty. During such moments, it is the director's responsibility to provide guidance and elicit the best performance from him. He adapts quickly and has executed his role exceptionally well.

Furthermore, the significance of his co-stars in the film cannot be overlooked. Approximately 90% of the cast comprised individuals with whom he had not previously collaborated, which added a refreshing dynamic. I, too, had not participated in an emotionally driven film of this nature, making it a new experience for me as well. Together, we navigated the process successfully.

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