Southern Spice: ‘Simhasanam’ to release on August 10

It is a film that has been awaited with great anticipation.

For one, it is a Prithviraj starrer and secondly, it has been directed by Shaji Kailas, a director known for action drama. Produced by S. Chandrakumar under his banner Malavika Productions, Simhasanam, also features Sai Kumar in a prominent role. Over the phone from Palakkad, where he is shooting his next film, Kailas — without divulging much about the story — told tabloid! that the film “is about the bond between a father and his son and how the son takes on his father’s enemies”.

The story is set in a feudal backdrop, with Kumar playing the father, Chandragiri Madhavan and Prithviraj, his son, Arjun Madhav.

“While this is an action-packed movie, it is not just about fight sequences. The mood and tone of the film is heavy,” says Kailas.

There is romance too. Aishwarya Devan and Vandana Menon, who have played small roles in earlier films, have the scope to perform in this film.

Kailas says that Kumar had to change in his appearance, mannerisms and dialogue delivery for his character. “His performance is terrific.”

“Raj [Prithviraj] is an intelligent artist and got totally involved in the film,” says Kailas. “His character has several variations and Raj has expressed them well. This film will be counted among his best roles.”

Kailas has spent two decades in the industry, with forty films, but was initially inclined towards photography. After assisting few directors he debuted in 1989.

The director, who draws reference from noted director John Woo, (recognised for his films with highly choreographed action scenes) says he has always loved action, and watches every film three times, saying it is more of a study first. But with his next film, he is taking a break from action: it is a comedy featuring Jayaram, Meghna Raj and Meera Nandan.