Much-needed makeover
Vimal is taking a welcome break from his village-centric roles in films such as Pasanga , Kalavani , Ethan , Thoonganagaram and the under-production Vaagai Sooda Vaa , and donning the image of a city-slicker in first-timedirector Prem Nizar's Ishtam . “I have given Vimal a complete makeover in Ishtam , a remake of the Telugu hit Emayinthi Ee Vela (starring Varun Sandesh and Nisha Agarwal),” says the director. The Tamil version too will have Nisha (Kajal Agarwal's sister), who will make her Kollywood debut with this movie. Says Vimal, “I wanted to do something different and Ishtam has given me that opportunity. Meanwhile, I have committed to directors Pandiarajan ( Pasanga ) and Gokul for their forthcoming films which will start after Ishtam's release,” says Vimal.
Fearless foray
Balu Malarvannan's maiden directorial venture Oththa Veedu is complete and getting ready for release. The film revolves around the subject of ghosts and the myths and beliefs surrounding them, particularly in villages. “The mind plays an important part in dealing with such fears. I have tried to make a realistic movie to convey that we shouldn't harbour fears about ghosts. I have shot in Villivalam near Kanchipuram and Edayur near Tirutturaipoondi,” says Balu. Dilip Kumar and Jahnavi plays the protagonists.
Kovai calling
With the firm intention of bringing film production glory back to Coimbatore, producer-director ‘Racecourse' Ragunath has launched his maiden venture Siruvani at the location of the erstwhile Pakshiraja Studios. Malai Kallan “The last film that made here was Sivaji Ganesan's Naan Petha Selvam . That was 48 years ago. Siruvani is a love story and a crime thriller. It is based on a story by Rajesh Kumar, who crime novels have wide readership,” says Ragunath. Sanjay (Thandava Kone) and Iswari play the lead. “Interestingly, most of the old structures are still standing in the Pakshiraja Studios and it gives me a sense of nostalgia and belonging to launch Coimbatore as a centre for film production,” says adds Ragunath.
Chill pill
He has produced and directed many hit films including Manasukkul Mathappu , Janma Natchathram , Witness and Asokavanam . Now, ‘Thakkali' Srinivasan is attempting a film (titled Aduthathu ) based on a reality show. Ten participants are sent to an uninhabited island to live for a few days, as part of the script for a TV reality show. “The participants go through chilling moments. Nasser plays a pivotal role. And the audience is sure to have a hair-raising experience,” says Srinivasan. .
Back to school
After training under director Prabhu Solomon, Anbazhagan has developed enough confidence to launch his own directorial venture Saattai . Interestingly, he has castestablished director, Samudrakkani as the main protagonist in the film. “He plays a school teacher and the story is about teacher-student relationship. Yuvan ( Pasakkara Nanbargal ) and new face Mahima play significant roles in this film. The film also deals with how a dedicated and affectionate teacher can help students resolve their personal and academic problems. Samudrakkani, being an experienced director and actor has played his role with conviction,” says Anbazhagan.
