Tamil film Rummy unfolds like a card game

Most of us are familiar with the card game Rummy, where you don’t know what is in store for you as you turn the next card face up.

Drawing a parallel with this simple card game is director K. Balakrishan with his first Tamil film Rummy.

“Our journey of Life is akin to playing rummy. You can never guess what’s next. We may plan things but life shocks us with her plans.”

Having worked with Tamil director Lingusamy for ten years as a production controller, acting was a natural transition for Balakrishnan. Debuting with Pattalam, he went on to do more films including Thoonganagaram and Naan Mahaan Alla. With Rummy, Balakrishnan turned script writer and director.

“This story was inspired from my college days,” says Balakrishnan.

Set in 1987 Rummy features the latest sensation Vijay Sethupathi. Inigo Prabhakaran and Parotta Suri play his college buddies in this tale of friendship.

“Those days not many attended college and the few who did were held in high esteem,” says Balakrishnan.

Sethupathi plays Joseph who is in love with Swarnam, a village girl, played by Aishwarya Rajesh.

Rajesh, who is doing a lead for the first time, (she was last seen in a supporting role in Attakathi) adds: “Swarnam is simple and innocent. Getting into her skin was not easy having grown up in Chennai. It was Balakrishnan sir who guided me at every step.”

Rajesh even had to swim in a well that was around 18 metres deep resulting in several retakes.

“It is Swarnam who lends a twist to the story,” chips in Balakrishnan, refusing to divulge more.

His screenplay is a new experiment he says.

“In the eighties love did not mean holding hands. Merely stealing shy glances gave immense joy. I have tried to capture the romance of that era.”

Inigo Prabhakaran, best remembered for his performances in Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai and Sundarapandian, plays Shakti.

“He is a jolly guy who endears himself to all. And when it comes to friendship, he is committed,” says Prabhakaran.

He is paired opposite Gayatri of Naduvalla Konjam Pakkatha Kanom, fame.

Produced by Sri Valli Studios, Rummy music is scored by D. Imman. Cinematographer is C.Prem Kumar of Naduvalla Konjam Pakkatha Kanom.