Hari Shankar and Hareesh Narayan, Shankar Bros as they are called, may only be four films old in Kollywood, but they have already created a niche for themselves. They are known for making the first-ever 3D film in Tamil, Ambuli ( My Dear Kuttichathan (1984) was dubbed in Tamil), and now, they have made another: Jambulingam 3D , that released last week.
It all started happening for them when Hari Shankar produced Orr Iravu , which won the Best Tamil Independent Film award at the Chennai International Film Festival five years ago. “ Orr Iravu found an admirer in producer Loganathan, and that resulted in our first film, Ambuli ,” Hareesh says.
Hari’s stint as assistant to director Naga in a couple of TV serials also helped. “Though there were offers to direct TV serials, I was determined to do a feature film,” he says. “Now, we are experts at directing 3D movies, but the problem is, we have no studios here that are technically equipped for such films. We did our 3D mastering at Prasad Labs, but even they have shut the facility now.”
The duo is happy that Jumbulingam3D reached its target audience, children. “Shot in some pristine locations in Japan, it is a visual treat for the audience. More than 100 Japanese actors and dancers have worked in the movie. There are many exciting aspects in the film, including a magic show, a dolphin act, and samurai sword fights—all targeted at children.”
Shankar Bros will next be working on a detective thriller, but this time, it will not be a 3D film. . “We would hate to fall into a pattern and lose out on the surprise factor,” Hari says.
