Praneesh Vijayan: Finding Stories Beyond the Frame
Praneesh Vijayan’s journey into cinema is not one defined by film school corridors or years spent assisting directors on crowded sets. Instead, it is a path shaped by curiosity, friendships, persistence and a deep belief that stories find their way to those who wait and work honestly for them.
Born and raised in Aluva, Praneesh pursued engineering in Salem, where he spent four formative years. Like many who choose engineering, cinema was not an obvious career choice at the time. Yet even during his college days, the interest in films quietly existed within him. He knew he was drawn to cinema, but the “how” of entering the industry was unclear especially while living in Salem, far from the centres of film activity.
That uncertainty lingered until an opportunity emerged from Chennai. A close friend of Praneesh, who had studied at the Adyar Film Institute, became the bridge between interest and action. After completing engineering and while searching for ways to step into cinema, Praneesh joined his friend in Chennai. What began as small conversations soon turned into short films. Through these collaborative efforts, Praneesh started understanding cinema not as a distant dream. But as a practical, learnable craft.
It was during this phase that he became closely associated with filmmaker Alphonse Puthren and music director Rajesh Murugesan. These interactions were not hierarchical or formal, they were organic, driven by shared enthusiasm. Everyone involved learned together, experimented together and grew together. Cinema, for Praneesh became less about titles and more about participation.
Interestingly, Praneesh never worked as an assistant director a route commonly taken by many filmmakers. Instead, he contributed as a co-writer for the film Happy Wedding. The reason was simple and practical. Coming from an IT background, he wasn’t entirely confident about committing full-time as an assistant director. At the same time, his IT profession continued in parallel, offering stability while he explored his creative instincts. This balance allowed him to stay connected to cinema without pressure, proving that there is no single formula to entering the industry.
The true turning point came during the pandemic. Praneesh and actor Sharaf U Dheen were initially planning another film, but like many creative plans worldwide, it came to a sudden halt. With shoots suspended and uncertainty everywhere, they met almost every day, discussing ideas and stories. These conversations were not goal-oriented at first they were simply an outlet for creative energy during a stagnant time.
One real-life incident sparked something special. A friend’s dog went missing and they shared posts hoping to find it. That moment led to a simple but powerful question: What if there was a system or a person dedicated to finding missing animals? From that thought emerged the seed of Pet Detective.
Interestingly, the title came first. Only after settling on it did they begin developing the story and screenplay. From the very beginning, one thing was clear children needed to enjoy the film. This guiding principle shaped every creative decision. Before writing a single scene, they consciously planned the tone, humour and emotional beats to ensure the film would be entertaining, accessible, and warm.
The response exceeded expectations. Praneesh still receives messages from children who love the film, calling it fun, engaging and memorable. Even during theatre visits, people continue to approach him with appreciation. For Praneesh, this connection with the audience especially young viewers is deeply fulfilling. It reaffirms his belief that cinema succeeds when it communicates joy honestly.
Behind Pet Detective was a team bound not just by professionalism, but by long-standing friendships. Cinematographer Anand and Editor Abhinav had been friends with Praneesh since their early days. After listening to the narration, both were instantly interested and eager to be part of the project. Abhinav, in particular, played a crucial role his editing shaped the rhythm and energy of the film. Praneesh openly credits him for giving his absolute best, especially since editing played a major role in making the film work.
Music director Rajesh Murugesan once again proved why music is not an accessory but a storytelling force. His score added life, emotion and pace, becoming an essential layer of the film’s identity.
The film’s visual charm was enhanced by Dino Shankar, whose production design created a believable and beautiful ambience. Gayathri Kishore’s costumes added authenticity and character depth, while Ronex Xavier, a renowned makeup artist, brought refinement to the performances. Completing the sensory experience was Vishnu Govind, whose sound design elevated the film’s atmosphere with precision and impact.
Looking ahead, Praneesh Vijayan is firmly rooted in writing. He is currently working on one script, planning to write for one or two directors and also developing a project for himself. His journey so far reflects patience, adaptability, and a strong respect for collaboration.
Praneesh’s story stands as a reminder that cinema does not demand a fixed path. Sometimes, it asks you to listen, observe and wait until a missing dog, a simple question or a shared conversation opens the door to something unforgettable.
