Sophie to become all-rounder in cinema

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A native of Kollam, Sophie Titus gave up her job as a chemical engineer at an oil company in Qatar to become an MGNREGA worker on screen.

To fulfil a dream she had since her school days, Sophie invested her own money to make a film. That film is Lady With Wings. She handled the story, screenplay, direction, production, lyrics and costume design, and also played the central character, making her an all-rounder in her debut film. She studied direction at a British institute in Qatar and in Kochi. Her experience in college theatre helped her in filmmaking.

The film follows the journey of Bindu, a MGNREGA worker who takes a strong stand and later becomes a social activist, and the developments that follow.

Sophie had prepared the story one and a half years ago. She completed the screenplay after seeking suggestions from P. Stanley, a relative and producer of Thoovanathumbikal. The film has songs in Malayalam, English and Sanskrit, all written by Sophie. Music is composed by Ashwin Johnson, Harimurali, Unnikrishnan and Bibin Ashok.

Actor Santhosh Keezhattoor plays an important role in the film. Sophie’s son Jacob George has also acted in it. Rajesh Hebbar, Rahul Basheer and Saju Varghese appear in other key roles.

The film was shot at locations including Vellayani, Shangumugham, Madavoorpara, Nedumangad, Chadayamangalam, Punalur and Varkala. Lady With Wings is expected to release in theatres in February. Sophie’s husband is Alex, a chemical engineer working in Qatar.

“This is a women-centric film. I felt it was better to express my views by standing both in front of and behind the camera, rather than letting someone else say them,” said Sophie Titus.