Children occupy centre stage in ‘Pasanga 2’

“Child rearing is an art,” says director Pandiraj.

Made after detailed research over three years on the lives of children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Pandiraj’s story explores their lives.

What is ADHD? How do parents deal with children who have it?

Calling ADHD children super-kids, Pandiraj said, “They cannot sit in one place for more than one and a half minutes. But if they get hooked onto something, say a computer game, they can be engaged for long. Dealing with these children is a challenge for both parents and teachers.”

With four child actors — Nishesh, Vaishnavi, Aarush and Thejashree — making their debut in lead roles, cinematographer Balasubramaniam used hidden cameras to get candid shots.

Karthik Kumar and Bindu Madhavi, and Munish Khan and Vidya Pradeep play two couples with children in the film.

Surya has produced the film, in addition to having a cameo as a doctor. Amala Paul plays a teacher whom the children are fond of.

Pasanga (Pandiraj’s debut and a National Film Award winner) was set in a rural backdrop, while Pasanga 2 revolves around city-bred children.

“It will probably remind you of your neighbour’s child or a nephew and niece,” added Pandiraj, a father of two.

Surya said the strength of the story lay in Pandiraj’s dialogues. “Don’t come with expectations of a Singham. This is a children’s story and is meant for parents and is a film that they can enjoy with children. It is important that we as parents impart a happy childhood to our children. In today’s rat race we seem to be overlooking that and ignoring their needs,” he said.

Madhavi plays a mother for the first time: Vidya, a housewife married to Kumar’s character. Vaishnavi plays their daughter, Nayana.

“Our story travels from the time of pregnancy to the time Nayana is eight. I was touched by the screenplay and wanted to be a part of the film. Initially I had doubts about doing a mother role and dealing with children with ADHD, though. I am not good with kids and wished to bond with Vaishnavi, keen that our onscreen chemistry is realistically portrayed. The first day, when I made efforts to befriend her, she bonded at once. I am thankful to her.”

Pradeep is a PhD research scientist who debuted with Tamil film Saivam, as Baby Sara’s mother. In Pasanga 2, her second film, she plays actor Nishesh’s mother.

Pradeep said, “My character is a working mother. In her hectic life, she neglects her son, often blaming him for many things.”

“I love kids, so bonding with Nishesh was easy. He is a talented boy. He would be mostly playing around but the minute he is called for a take, he walks up to the camera and delivers his lines in one go. It was so casually done. I was awestruck.”