Aarohanam
What it is about…
AVA Productions, along with Monkey Creative Labs, presents Aarohanam, directed by Lakshmy Ramakrishnan. The cast includes Sampath, Jayaprakash, Viji Chandrashekar, director Marimuthu, Abinay, Raji Vijayasarathy, Uma Padmanabhan, and two new faces Jai Quehaeni and Veeresh. The cinematography is by N. Shanmugasundaram, music direction by K., editing by Kishore T.E., art direction by Prem, stunts by Dhilip Subbarayan and lyrics by Subu. Aarohanam is based on a series of amusing events that take place on a single day, but which reveal a lot about a lifetime. The film traces the search of a 17-year-old boy and his sister for their missing mother, the journey offering us insights into their life and their mother’s character.
Music Highlights
Two main songs, three instrumental versions and one short number comprise the soundtrack. ‘Indha Vaan Veli’, sung by Anand Aravindakshan, is a simple melody with guitar, tabla and flute for accompaniment. ‘Thappaattam’ is sung by Sharadha R, Ranjini Chander, Harish and the music director himself. Though it has a lot of club elements, the track has a retro feel. The lines spoken by actor Jayaprakash in the middle of the song come as a comic relief. The flute version of ‘Indha Vaan Veli’ has an interesting interlude, played on string instruments such as oud and mandolin. ‘Dhisai Ariyaadhu’ is a short and simple number sung by Vandana Srinivasan. The song evokes different feelings — longing, nostalgia, happiness and pathos — in the listener. ‘I won't give up’ (instrumental) could be a part of RR. ‘Ode to motherhood’ is again an instrumental version that’s sure to appeal to the listeners.
What they say…
Producer A. V. Anoop: I loved the subject and was impressed with the screenplay. When I came out after watching the first screening of the film, I felt happy to have produced it. I thought of releasing it on my own, but director Lakshmy felt we should tie up with someone familiar with the Tamil film industry. And now J. Satish Kumar of JSK Film Corporation will take the film forward.
Director Lakshmy Ramakrishnan:Pirivom Sandippom (2008) was my first Tamil film, which was followed by 20 other films. I have also worked in other language movies and with some of the best technicians in the industry. I felt this story needed to be told and that’s how I ended up as the director of Aarohanam . When veterans such as K. Balachander and Sethumadhavan praised the way I have handled the subject, I was on top of the world. I am sure everyone, after watching this film, will start looking at themselves from a new perspective. Aarohanam has many pleasant surprises with its screenplay unfolding in the most unpredictable fashion.
Hero R. Veeresh: I am a final year editing student at the MGR Film Institute, Taramani. I got this offer when I approached director Lakshmy to join her as assistant director. I play the son of the protagonist in the film; Viji Chandrashekhar plays my mother and Jai Quehaeni, my sister. The film showcases the life of the upper class as well as that of those in the lower income bracket. The way the screenplay cuts back to the past and returns to the present is what I like best about the film. Everything about it is so lively that you will forget you are in the process of watching a film.
Music director K: After my graduation I had the opportunity to score music for three short films, directed by Mysskin, Sasikumar and Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, for an AIDS awareness campaign. Soon after, Mysskin gave me the chance to work on a full-length feature, Yudham Sei. When I was working on Mugamoodi , director Lakshmy Ramakrishnan approached me for Aarohanam . I liked the idea and we started work on it right away.
