Tamil director Muthiah’s eyes well up as he talks about his upcoming film Komban. It’s a story from his life that he has shared onscreen. At the same time, it’s a story that many men can probably identify with. In this narrative centred on a father-in-law versus son-in-law, anyone could be one of the two.
Muthiah remembers his maternal grandfather, an ex-service man, who was held in awe in their village of Srivilliputhur in Tamil Nadu for his ability to catch the bull by its horns during jallikattu, a bull-taming sport.
“My father was no less tough,” recalls Muthiah.
“He was a hot-headed guy. My grandfather lived with us and the two often sparred verbally. Caught between the two was my mother, a soft-hearted woman.”
Sporting a handlebar moustache as the son-in-law is Karthi Sivakumar, known as Komban in the village. Malayali actress Lakshmi Menon also stars while veteran actor Raj Kiran plays Komban’s father-in-law.
When Karthi took up the role, he was clear that Komban should not resemble Paruthiveeran, another rustic character that he played in the eponymous 2008 award winner.
“While Paruthiveeran was a wayward drunkard, Komban is a man of principles and a teetotaller who loves his land and his people,” explains Muthiah. “He is a vambu adakkaravan, [one who will sets wrongs right].”
Muthiah wrote the script with veteran actor Raj Kiran in mind and he considers himself blessed to have directed the senior actor.
Komban is comedian Karuna’s 100th film. Look out for comedienne Kovai Sarla in a serious role as Komban’s widowed mother.
G.V. Prakash has scored music. Check out folk number Kambikarai Vetti, by new lyricist, Mahalingam. R. Velraj is the cinematographer.
Muthiah’s love for films goes back to his childhood years when he watched the magic of cinema unfold on screen, sitting on his aunt’s lap. The same love drove him to run away from home at the age of ten and go to Chennai with starry dreams.
“I returned home dejected but my dreams continued to chase me,” says Muthiah who has worked in the industry since 1996. His debut film, Kuttipuli, which released in 2013, was a commercial success.
What about his relationship with his own father-in-law?
“My father-in-law was a gem of a man who respected my dreams although he did have anxious moments until I got my first break. Sadly he is not there to see Komban. Produced by K.E. Gnanvel Raja, Komban releases in UAE on April 2.
