Tanya-Prabhakaran’s murder mystery takes off in Chennai

Mani Mahal, the well-known shooting location on Nungambakkam, is buzzing with activity when we arrive. A crew wearing masks is setting up the shot. The film is

Rekkai Mulaithen

, starring Karuppan girl Tanya Ravichandran and directed by

SR Prabhakaran

of Sundarapandian fame. The scene that they are shooting involves a plainclothes

cop

meeting the police commissioner to discuss a case. Tanya, who plays the cop, Aaradhana, walks into the room, takes her seat and then the two actors have a conversation.

Once the shot is approved, we get talking to SR Prabhakaran. “This is my first

movie

as a producer. Rather than have a story for the sake of heroism, I decided to have one in which the heroism is organic to the story. My previous three films were all

set

in south Tamil Nadu, against a village backdrop. I wanted to break the image as a rural film director and do a pucca city-based film. Rather than explain this to producers and convince them, I felt I should produce it myself,” begins the filmmaker, adding, “Tanya’s performance in Karuppan made her familiar even in the interior parts of the state. I’ve always felt strongly about Tamil-speaking girls being given chances, and when I was writing this script, she was the one who came to my mind.”

We ask Prabhakaran about shooting in the pandemic and he says, “We are following the norms set by the government to shoot during this COVID-19 pandemic, and are working with a 50-member crew. And to ensure the crew’s safety, we have provided them with masks, gloves and sanitisers. Cinema has been lying dormant since the lockdown, but it is also the time to remain safe.”

I’m excited to play an ACP
It is a crime thriller and I play an ACP. I am excited to do this role, as this is the first time I’m playing a cop. I’m very happy to be associated with SR Prabhakaran sir.
— Tanya Ravichandran, lead actress

This is my debut movie
I have worked with Murali sir, who did Kaala and Kabali, and Jeeva sir previously. This is my debut movie as a cameraman
– Ganesh, cinematographer