Catholic priest does major role in feature film

A Catholic priest in Kerala is acting in a prominent role in a feature film.
Fr Thomas Chakkalamattath, who belongs to the Catholic order Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), is enacting the role of a priest in the movie titled "Christmas Cake", which narrates the story of a strong bond between a clergyman and a visually impaired boy abandoned by parents.
The film, shot in Kerala and Malaysia, is to 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 told PTI.
He 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.
A pianist, who has trained several leading players of Kerala, 55-year-old Thomas appears as a priest named Michele in "Christmas Cake."
The CMI is an order founded by Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara, who is to be conferred Sainthood by the Vatican later this year.