Not having his parents around to celebrate his achievements has had a profound impact on director Pandiraj, who now plans to get across the message that youngsters should shower affection upon their parents through his next film Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga.
“In the rural areas, the street smart are referred to as ‘kedi billas’. My film is about two ‘kedis’, who are friends. It is not based on a real life story. However, certain scenes are inspired by events that have occurred in my life and those of my friends,” says the director, adding that the film will be packed with humour.
“Though the film’s theme is thought-provoking, it has several light moments to entertain the audience. It will be like watching a Charlie Chaplin film.”
Vimal, whom Pandiraj introduced in Pasanga, and Siva Karthikeyan, whom he introduced in Marina, will play the lead. Besides Bindu Madhavi, Telugu actor Regina, who makes her debut in Tamil with this film, play the female leads.
“Both Vimal and Sivakarthikeyan have a terrific sense of timing, which is essential for comedy. As for Bindu Madhavi, she scores with her expressive eyes while Regina impresses with her innocent face,” says Pandiraj, who is excited about working with music director Yuvan Shankar Raja for the first time.
“I love Yuvan’s romantic numbers and have always wanted to work with him. However, that opportunity has come only now. There are five songs in the film,” says Pandiraj, who has completed shooting most of the film.
While continuing to talk about this film that is close to his heart, Pandiraj adds on an emotional note, “Wherever I went after winning the National award for my first film Pasanga, I was showered with praise and told that I had done my father proud. Unfortunately, he is not around to see me win awards and appreciation for my work.”
After he finished schooling, Pandiraj wanted to enter the film industry, much to the dismay of his parents who wanted him to help his brother run his cycle shop. Years passed by but there was no sign of him turning director. Then, one day, while working as an assistant director for the film Pandavar Bhoomi, his mother passed away. A few years later, while Pandiraj began shooting his first film Pasanga, he lost his father too.
“I feel sad about not having done anything for my parents when they were alive. They worked on farms and toiled to provide for us. I couldn’t buy them much, except for a few clothes with the meagre salary of Rs. 1,500 that I earned as an assistant director. Today, I have the money but not my parents.”
He hopes those who watch the movie will realise the importance of spending time with their parents. “It will then be mission accomplished,” smiles Pandiraj.
