“It has everything a Dhanush fan would look for in a film,” said Tamil director Balaji Mohan of his third release, Maari, out in the UAE on July 16.
The trailers show a dhoti-clad Dhanush, sporting dark glasses and with gold chains around his neck. With a cigarette dangling from his mouth and a moustache to twirl, the cool goon picture is complete.
A Dhanush fan himself, Mohan was smitten with films after watching Dhanush’s Kadhal Kondein, as a teenager.
With Maari, “it felt like a dream true for me,” said Mohan. His earlier films, Kadhalil Soddhappuvadhu Yeppadi and Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, fared well at the box office.
Dhanush plays Maari, a rowdy and a carefree soul, who is also a pigeon racer.
“But this story is not about him as a pigeon racer,” said Mohan. “I have merely used that as a backdrop.”
Kajal Aggarwal is paired opposite Dhanush. It’s her first film with the National Award winner.
Mohan said, “It’s a meaty role for Kajal and her character is integral to the progression of the story.”
“My character, Sreedevi is a fashion designer, who wants to open her own label,” added Aggarwal. “She is a mature woman who is focussed in her goals and not distracted by the trivialities of life.”
Fun fact: Working in Maari helped Aggarwal overcome her fear of pigeons.
Singer Vijay Yesudas marks his debut as an actor in a cop role.
“I was looking for someone without a pre-conceived image and after couple of test shoots, I found Vijay apt,” Mohan added.
“Maari is not a regular formula film. Viewers are bound to be surprised by its unpredictability.”
Produced by R. Sarathkumar, R.Radikaa Sarathkumar and Listin Stephen, Maari was shot in Chennai. Anirudh has scored the music. Cinematography is by Om Prakash.
“With Maari’s larger than life image that goes hand in hand with punch lines to send them in raptures, fans can look forward to a treat,” Mohan said.
