Director Nemam Pushparaj's Vineeth-Kavya Madhavan starrer Banaras is an offbeat love story, flowering in the backdrop of pilgrim centres in and around Banaras, the religious capital of India. Vineeth acts as Hari, a research student on folk dances; Kavya Madhavan plays the role of Amritha, a classical dancer.

Hari, the only son of a Malayalee professor who had been working in Banaras University, was born in Banaras, but brought to his father's native place in Kerala after the death of his mother at the time of Hari's birth. Later, his father married another woman to look after Hari.

His parents want Hari to marry his niece Devu who is in love with him, but Hari's ambition is to return Banaras for higher studies in folk dance. In Banaras, he meets Amritha, a classical dancer, during a function conducted by a Malayalee association. They became friends and eventually fall in love with each other.

This is the first time Kavya Madhavan plays a classical dancer in her career. Produced by M.R. Nair under the banner of Kashi films, the film gives equal importance to music. M. Jayachandran sets music to lyrics written by Giresh Puthencherry. The singers include K.J. Yesudas, Sadhana Sargam and Shreya Goshal.

Camera is handled by M. Sukumar. The other cast members include Jagathy Sreekumar, Nedumudi Venu, Devan, Bineesh Kodiyeri, Harisree Asokan and Suraj Vejaramoodu. Scripted by Cheriyaan Kalpakavaady, Banaras will be brought to theatres by Minerva Release. The film is expected to hit the theaters soon.

Producer M.R. Nair

Banner Kashi films

Director Nemam Pushparaj

Cast Vineeth, Kavya Madhavan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Nedumudi Venu, Devan, Bineesh Kodiyeri, Harisree Asokan and Suraj Vejaramoodu

Music director M. Jayachandran

Lyrics Giresh Puthencherry

Camera M. Sukumar