Seaside story
Said to be based on a true incident that took place in Vadakkankulam, in Tirunelveli district, some 140 years ago, Prakash Geo has written and directed his debut film, Kadal Thantha Kaviam . “It was a barren town where the inhabitants suffered without a drop of water. A young missionary appeared and when she dug the earth to plant a cross, water started gushing out. The locals immediately built a hut that eventually became a small church, leading to the spread of Christianity in the area. Subsequently, several small miracles happened, one of which was the washing ashore of a statue of Virgin Mary along the coast of a nearby village, about 85 years ago. My story is based on true incidents such as the turning away of an orphan child who had sought refuge in the church. She eventually went on to become an IAS officer.” Kadal Thantha Kaviam stars Aparjit and Asrutha, who has done several TV serials.
Courting the camera
He is the unwelcome guest who terrorises the young couple in Athithi . Nikesh Ram’s route to the silver screen may have been thanks to his father Ramakrishnan Nair’s Spellbound Films, which produced the thriller. But, Nikesh has not only enjoyed facing the camera but also taken to films like fish to water. Meanwhile, Athithi is in the news for being involved in a piracy raid on an upcountry theatre. “We found a theatre responsible for pirating the film and have lodged a police complaint and action is being taken. I am currently reading two scripts in Tamil, and a Malayalam film is on the cards. I am keen on playing challenging roles that will satisfy my creative urge,” says Nikesh.
Musical in the making
Television host-turned-music composer James Vasanthan firmly believes that a true musical is not just about songs. “In Hollywood, it is about most actors singing their own songs, dancing and the story itself connected to all these elements. Hence, I am directing Vaanavil Vaazhkai as a complete musical based on a story set in a college campus. It will showcase the healthy competition and rivalry among colleges during cultural events, where music and dance are a huge part of the proceedings,” says James. The film will have 19 songs, covering genres such as hip-hop and rock, with James being credited for screenplay, lyrics and music, besides direction.
In a new direction
Son of comedy actor Anu Mohan, Arun Mohan is making his directorial debut with Sarabham , releasing on August 1. It’s produced by C. V. Kumar under his banner Thirukumaran Entertainment. “This is a crime drama with quite a few tense action scenes, which will be the highlight. In fact, there is a scene shot on the 15th floor of a building with the hero suspended from a wire; we have not used a double for this,” says Arun. Sarabham stars Naveen Chandra, Salony Luthra and Naren ( Aadukalam ) in crucial roles. Sarabham has three songs, but is there a romantic angle? “Watch the film to find out,” says Arun.
