Some days ago,
Shanthnu Bhagyaraj tweeted about the project that was supposed to take off, which didn't happen and how things are looking up for him now. And now, we have learnt that he has signed his next with director
Vikram Sugumaran of
Madha Yaanai Koottam
fame. It is a new genre for me. Similar to that of Vikram's Madha Yaanai..., this one, too, is a
rural
and realistic film. Set in Ramnad, I play a local from that place. It is a raw film and as an actor I had to do a lot of things to fit into the role. From learning their slang, roaming around in veshti, change my hairdo and beard, and living like a typical oor naataan - I underwent solid training for the role. I had to bulk up my physique, too. In fact, I was in Ramnad for a few days to observe the locals.
Vikram wanted me to have a tanned appearance as well. We have begun shooting for the project from yesterday and I am looking forward to this new experience and working with Vikram."
Titled Raavana Kottam, this film is bankrolled by Kannan Ravi. Says Vikram, "It is a village subject, where the film delves into the lives of the people living in Ramnad. I hail from this place and there are some things that needs attention. I have incorporated it all through this film. It won't be too preachy, though, and will be a love cum action subject." Ask him about roping in Shanthnu for the film, Vikram says, "We needed a typical south face. We were initially looking at casting newcomers, but somehow, things didn't fall in place. Someone from my team suggested Shanthnu's name and we immediately got him on board for the film. We still haven't finalised the heroine yet, but Prabhu sir will be playing an important role. Justin Prabhakaran will compose music."
With Shanthnu announcing his project with Mysskin some time last year, the film, however, was dropped unceremoniously. Did that affect him? "Oh yes, it definitely did. I pinned a lot of hope on that project. But it slipped out of my hands and ended on a bad note. If things are not meant to happen, we can't do anything, no? But I am happy Vikram's film came my way. I am certain that this film will be a game changer for me," says Shanthnu.
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