Salt N Pepper: Viewers Are Enjoying The Treat

Salt N Pepper: Viewers Are Enjoying The Treat

Director Aashiq Abu’s second venture is well on its way to becoming a super hit | 

‘Salt N Pepper’, the second film from director Aashiq Abu, is running to packed houses in theaters all across the state. It is rare that a movie with a food based theme hits the big screen, and that too in a manner so successful. After his debut film ‘Daddy Cool,’ which had mega star Mammooty in the lead, Aashiq Abu has opted for a comparatively lesser star cast for his second film. He explains it away on the uniqueness of the script penned down by first timers Shyam Pushkaran and Dilish Nair.   Image courtesy: cinespot.com “For this kind of a story there is no need for a super star; not only that, but the presence of one might even have harmed the entire story line,” says the young director. The film has Lal in the lead role, portraying the character of ‘Kalidasan,’ a renowned archeologist, and an ardent lover of good food. Swetha Menon, playing the role of ‘Maya,’ a dubbing artiste, is the female lead in the film. It is through their mutual passion for good food that Maya chances to get acquainted with Kalidasan.   Image courtesy: cinespot.com The film, which comes after the highly successful ‘Daddy Cool,’ is bringing a wave of accolades to the young director. But Aasiq Abu has his feet planted firmly on the ground. “When anyone congratulates me on the success of the movie, it is the movie that is taking the praise, and not me. Making a movie is a collective effort where everyone has his or her part to play. I too had a part, as the director, and I am glad that I was able to do my bit to perfection,  he says modestly.

Ashiq Abu (Image courtesy: forumkeralam.com) As a director, Aashiq Abu is not after winning awards or gaining fame. In his own words, the young director’s agenda is to ‘bring quality to commercial films’. After completing his college education at the Maharaja’s College, Cochin, Aashiq Abu worked as an assistant director to Kamal, whom he considers his mentor, for a period of seven years before receiving his big break through with Daddy Cool. “I am extremely grateful to Mammukka for giving me dates for my very first venture after hearing out the film’s story,”  notes Aashiq Abu. The role of director in making the film is the same as that of a cook. He has to mix the ingredients well, cook it up in the optimum heat, add the requisite amounts of salt and pepper to it, and serve it before the audience in an attractive way. The rest is up to the person or persons who taste the food to pass the verdict. Those who have experienced ‘Salt N Pepper’ from the theaters have already given the thumbs up sign to the film, or the dish that the director has prepared and s