Hit Korean movie remade for Tamil audiences

What happens when love strikes between an odd couple, one an IT professional and the other a gangster?

Hit Korean film My Dear Desperado was built on this premise, winning two awards for its director Kim Kwang Sik on his debut, and for the leading lady, Jung Yu Mi.

Nalan Kumarasamy wanted to remake it in Tamil as his own debut. But Soodhu Kavvum, a dark comedy, happened before that. Now he is ready with Kadhalum Kadantha Pogum, the official Tamil remake of My Dear Desperado.

Vijay Sethupathi plays the gangster and Malayalam actress Madonna Sebastian of Premam fame makes her Tamil debut opposite him.

Sebastian plays a young IT professional who finds work in a city but soon loses her job when the company goes bust. Unable to go back to her home town, she finds accommodation in a cheap neighbourhood with a gangster as her next door neighbour.

What gets the sparks flying between this unlikely couple?

Kumarasamy, who is working with Sethupathi for the second time, says that while the original story has been retained in the Tamil version, he has spaced out the length of the scenes to suit the local culture. Often he and Sethupathi improvised scenes on sets. Calling Sebastian an extraordinary actress, he adds that she was a committed worker who despite the language barrier has delivered a wonderful performance.

The supporting cast includes director-actor Samudrakani in the role of a police officer and veteran actor Sundar in a significant role.

Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum is produced by C.V. Kumar’s Thirukumaran Entertainments, Studio Green and Abi & Abi. Santosh Narayanan has composed the music. Dinesh Krishnan B is the cinematographer.