From real life to reel life; Vinod’s extraordinary journey from an aspiring junior artist to director of ‘Oru Pakka Nadan Premam’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vinod left home to become an actor after his 10th standard exam. He became an auto driver and taxi driver to make ends meet. Then left for the Gulf. Returned from abroad and began a business, which eventually shut down. He became bankrupt and lost his house.

Still, Vinod didn’t lose hope. He decided to direct a movie. That movie is now running in theaters – ‘Oru Pakka Nadan Premam. When he saw his name coming up on the screen – Direction Vinod Netathani – he could not control his tears.

Netathani is a place near Azhimala in Vizhinjam. While studying in school, he actively participated in arts programs. After his 10th standard, Vinod went to seek his luck as an actor in character roles. He acted as a junior artist in Dileep’s movie ‘Speed’. He also had minor roles in movies such as Mahasamudram, Ravanan, Note Book, etc. In between this, he used to act in theatres, was part of mimicry shows, and even rode a cycle blindfolded.

When his family said that he cannot live like this, he learned to drive and went to the Gulf. He spent two years there. After returning, he studied direction and dubbing. He joined hands with his friend, Praveen, to make short films. And did some minor roles in serials.

Vinod started a small spare parts shop in Balaramapuram. It got shut down soon and his loan payments began to pile up. He had to sell his house and move to a rented house with his father Gopalakrishnan and his mother, Gomathi. He drove auto rickshaws to eke out a living.

Vinod then tried to direct a movie written by Raju C Chenad. However, the project did not materialize because he could not find a producer.

His fate began to change after he became the driver of Kovalam MLA, M Vincent. During his travels with him, Vinod met Karumam Abdul Karim, who took him to producer Sajad M. The effort he took five years back, finally, bore fruit. The film got released.

Moviegoers who are looking for a different theme have accepted Vinod’s movie. The response at the theaters is proof that Vinod has finally achieved his childhood dream.