THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vellayani is a suburb of Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram. It is on the banks of Vellayani lake. Vellayani also has an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.
But the point of this story is not all about that. It has to do with iconic actor of Kerala, Mohanlal and his 1989 action drama, "Kireedam," in which he portrayed the role of Sethumadhavan aka Sethu, who aspires to become a police officer to fulfill his father's dream, but fails. Penned by AK Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil, the film was not only a commercial success but also won Mohanlal a national award.
Now, on his 64th birthday on Tuesday, Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyaz announced that works to convert the Vellayani bridge or 'Kireedam' bridge, which played a key role in the movie, and its adjoining areas, into a tourist spot is in the final stages. The minister declared this as a birthday gift to the actor. The evergreen song from the movie, 'Kanneerpoovinte Kavilil Thalodi', which is still etched in the hearts of Malayalis, was shot on this bridge earning it the name 'Kireedam' bridge.
Mohanlal won the National Film Award – Special Mention for "portraying young man's agony and pain marvellously and in unique style" in 'Kireedam'. The heart-rending scenes of Mohanlal and Thilakan, who played the role of Achuthan Nair, a sincere police constable and Sethu's father, are still vividly remembered by film buffs. According to Riyaz, the public will soon be able to enjoy the spec.
