Muthiah returns with another film on relationships: Maruthu’

Tamil filmmaker M. Muthiah draws from life and people around him for his storylines.

He wove a tale around mothers’ emotions in his debut film, Kuttipuli, and later explored the bond between a father-in-law and son-in-law in Komban. In his third directorial, Maruthu, he dwells on the relationship between a grandmother and a grandson. Like his earlier films, Maruthu has a rural setting. Vishal plays the title role.

“Maruthu is an unskilled labourer, a coolie who carries loads for a living,” says Muthiah, who created this character keeping his late paternal uncle in mind.

“My father’s elder brother was a load man and as a little boy I was in awe of his tough physique and the two tattoos he sported.”

So Maruthu has two tattoos, that of a lion on his arm and a tiger on his chest.

And, who do you think is playing Maruthu’s grandma?

Malayali actress Kulappulli Leela (who has acted in around a hundred films) is the paati of this family drama. Telugu actress Sri Divya is paired opposite Vishal.

R.K. Suresh of Tharai Thappatai fame is the villain, Rolex Pandi, and the pivot around whom the story is centred. Muthiah adds that this role will set a milestone in Suresh’s career.

A Vishal film obviously comes with loads of action, so look out for the climax scene with Rolex Pandi.

Comedian Soori is not just for laughs but has a significant role, says Muthiah. Veteran actor Radha Ravi plays a villainous character as well.

A native of Srivilliputhur, Muthiah’s love for cinema can be traced to his childhood when his aunt took him to the theatres with her. The following day, he listened to the replay of the film when she narrated the story to her friends.

“Her narration was vivid and interesting,” Muthiah said.

Maruthu produced by Gopuram Films releases in the UAE on May 19. The film will also release in Telugu as Rayadu.