“Jawan of Vellimala,” Anoop Kannan’s debut film, features Mammootty in the title role, in the first film from Play House Motion Pictures, Mammootty’s production house. It’s the story of a jawan who after leaving the army following an incident, takes up a job on a dam.
“Arriving at Vellimala, a high range village with a dam, the jawan joins work as a watchman cum dam operator,” said Kannan. “Naturally he evokes the villagers’ curiosity about his past and often becomes the butt of their ridicule.”
Supporting the story in significant roles are actors Srinivasan as Verghese, the executive engineer, and Asif Ali as Koshi Oomen, whose father was the contractor during the construction of the dam. Mamta Mohandas plays a government officer posted at the dam.
“She is also a social worker and this story concerns a major environmental issue,” continued Kannan, who assisted director Lal Jose for eight years.
The film was shot in Trichur at Chimmony Dam.
“One of the challenges lay in depicting the jawan’s character with his idiosyncrasies,” said Kannan, who after a degree in photography worked as an independent cinematographer.
“Another hurdle was canning the night scenes as a major part of the story happens during the night. Again finding the right location keeping in mind the topography of the story was another stumbling block.”
Talking about his actors, the 31-year-old director praised Mohandas for her mature performance. As for Ali, “he is a live wire and his energy is contagious.”
‘Thuppakki’ audio launch held
The audio and trailer launch of A.R. Murgadoss’s upcoming film, ‘Thuppakki,’ was held in Chennai on October 10.
Produced by Kalaippuli S. Thanu and starring Vijay and Kajal Agarwal in lead roles, the team includes stalwarts such as music composer Harris Jeyaraj, cinematographer Santosh Sivan and National awardee Sreekar Prasad as editor. The music album has seven songs and one song, “Google Google” has been sung by actor Vijay. On a request from the audience, Vijay sang a few lines from the song.
Of Vijay, Murgadoss said, “He is a mass hero and his dialogue delivery was perfect. Since the film was shot with Mumbai as the backdrop, I had my doubts whether Vijay could render the lines in Hindi without the south Indian accent, but he surprised us with his Hindi. I have plans to work on a Hindi film with Vijay.”
Zarine Khan for an item number
Bollywood actress (and Katrina Kaif lookalike) Zarine Khan) was in Chennai to shoot an item number for a Tamil film titled “Naan Rajavaaga Pogiren,” directed by Prithvi Rajkumar and featuring Nakul and Chandini.
Sudeep appeals to fans
Kannada actor Sudeep, whose performance in Rajamouli’s “Eega,” received kudos for his brilliant acting is alarmed over a fake facebook account on his name that has been created.
The actor in a message sent to the media stated: “I want to bring this to your notice that a fake facebook account is doing the rounds on the net carrying some unwanted derogatory remarks and pictures in my name and I’m in no way associated with it. Seems like a deliberate attempt by some miscreants to tarnish my name amongst public. Pictures available online and from my tweets have been posted on this fake account to make it look original and to mislead. I humbly appeal to my fans, friends and all film lovers to ignore whatever is posted on this account. Many actors earlier have gone through this and today it’s me. Such pranks are unwarranted. I request everyone to refrain from such acts.”
Actress Lakshmi in a memorable role
“It was not just a film but an experience that I went through on this project,” said actor Lakshmi talking about her yet to be released Telegu film, “Mudhunam,” directed by actor cum playwriter, Tanikella Bharani.
“This story revolves around just two characters, a Brahmin couple rooted to their traditions. She is in the mid sixties and he is in his mid seventies. The story is told in flashback through dialogues without showing any of the characters from their lives on screen.”
Lakshmi is paired opposite renowned singer SPB in the story. Watch this space for more on “Midhunam.”
Tulasi under wraps
Stoking curiosity to Maniratnam’s heroine of “Kadal,” is more buzz.
The youngest daughter of yesteryears actor Radha, Tulasi, who is taking baby steps into the industry with ‘Kadal,’ has been signed on for another film, ‘Yaan.’
Produced by R.S. Infotainment, “Yaan,” is the debut venture of cinematographer turned director Ravi K. Chandran and stars Jiva opposite Tulasi.
Naturally cine lovers are eager to have a glimpse of Tulasi, who seems to have impressed the industry so early in her career.
Mum’s the word until Maniratnam gives the green signal.
Chennaieil Oru Naal — a remake
Coming up is “Chennaieil Oru Naal,” a remake of the critically and commercially acclaimed Malayalam film, “Traffic,” directed by Rajesh Pillai.
Shaheed Kader, an associate of Rajesh Pillai is at the helm of affairs of this Tamil remake that boasts of a galaxy of stars namely Radikaa Sarath Kumar, Sarath Kumar, Cheran, Prakash Raj, Prasanna, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan, Parvathi, Jayaprakash and Mallika.
It is produced by Listin Stephen, (who produced the original) in association with Radhika Sarath Kumar who turns producer with her new company I Pictures.
For those who have not watched “Traffic,” the story revolves around the lives of four characters, coming from different walks of life and working together for a common cause.
Based on a true incident that happened in Chennai, the film sends across the importance of organ donation.
“Traffic,” was a gripping and a poignant tale that garnered several awards. Naturally expectations rise with “Chennaieil Oru Naal.”
