Pradeep Krishnamoorthy, the director of Saithan , can’t hide his excitement. He knows that not too many directors get the opportunity to release their film with a commercially bankable star like Vijay Antony, whose popularity is at an all-time high post the success of Pichaikaaran. A visual communication student from Loyola, Pradeep learnt his craft from director Vetrimaaran, whom he assisted in Aadukalam . He then went on to document the travails of marginalised people for a docu-fiction called EllorumInnattu Mannar. “The film dealt with the lives of weavers, agriculturists, potters, sex workers, and the like.”
It was during this period that the script for a feature film materalised, and his head at a private television channel put him on to Vijay Antony. “After the narration, Vijay Antony decided to produce and act in the film. Working with him has been a pleasure. He is dedicated, and cooperative.” On Vijay Antony’s acting, Pradeep says, “I think it’s very subtle.” Pradeep mentions that the film develops into an action-thriller in the second half. “I am confident that Vijay Antony will emerge as a mass hero after this film.”
Pradeep, who has already started work on his next film starring Sibiraj, says Saithan is a psychological thriller. “In fact, I had suggested the title, Psy-thaan .” Pradeep has cast many veteran actors, including Charuhasan, Y. G. Mahendra and Raja Krishnamoorthy (Kitty). The female lead is played by Arundhathi Nair. “She is a fantastic find, and speaks Tamil. In fact, she has even dubbed for herself. I’m happy that Kollywood now has another talented Tamil-speaking heroine.”
