Asif Ali, I M Vijayan audition newbies

The Kottapadi football stadium in Malappuram turned audition grounds for Prithviraj-Asif Ali starrer Beautiful Game this weekend.
Its director Jamesh Kottakkal, Asif Ali and I M Vijayan conducted auditions for at least 600 aspiring actors with football skills over the course of two days.
Jamesh tells us, “We had people turning up from Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Kottayam and Trivandrum.The in flow of talent at the audition was much more than we expected.” The reason for conducting the workshop in Malappuram, he says, “There’s no other place in the State that has a richer connection to football.”
While the turnout was massive, there were limited spots up for grabs, says Jamesh. “We are auditioning for members to comprise two teams – one led by Prithviraj in the movie and the other their opposition. The onus was on selecting those who could play football well.” Once the list is finalised, Jamesh says, “Those selected will be attending an acting workshop.” Beautiful Game, which is scheduled to go on floors in mid 2016 , will be shot in and around Malappuram. “It will be a full-length football movie; the first of its kind in Malayalam,” he says.