Catholic priest stars in feature film

Fr. Thomas Chakkalamattath is enacting the role of a priest in the movie titled "Christmas Cake."

File photo--Fr Thomas Chakkalamattath (Photo: The Hindu)

Thiruvananthpuram:  A Catholic priest in Kerala has featured in a prominent role in a film based on the relationship between a clergyman and a visually impaired boy abandoned by parents.

Fr Thomas Chakkalamattath, who belongs to the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), is enacting the role of a priest in the movie titled "Christmas Cake."

The film, shot in Kerala and Malaysia, will hit screens on April 25 after Easter. It is directed by Sajan Kurien, who has made several 'parallel movies' screened in festivals.

Fr Thomas, also the director of Thrissur-based Chetana Music Academy and Sound Studio, said he accepted the offer to act in the film because of the moral message of the story.

"The film's story has good message of human relationship and that was why I accepted the offer," he said.

The 55-year-old priest, who is also a pianist, said he had obtained permission from the church authorities who whole-heartedly accepted the proposal since the film is about kindness and love.

Produced by Nishi Govind, the 90-minute-movie has a wide star cast including popular actors like Jagadeesh.

The CMI is an order founded by Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, who is to be conferred Sainthood by the Vatican later this year.

Source: business-standard