The title of ace filmmaker Priyadarshan’s next directorial venture in Tamil, where he collaborates with Udhayanidhi Stalin, which was kept under wraps, is out. The movie, a remake of M-town hit film Maheshinte Prathikaram, has been titled Nimir. Priyan talks to DC about Mahendran, who was instrumental in getting this title, Udhay’s never-before-seen-avatar and the heroine, Namita Pramod.
“I am a great fan of veteran filmmaker Mahendran who is doing a pivotal role in Nimir. Having watched films like Uthiri Pookal, I wanted to join him as an assistant, but unfortunately, I could not. I am happy that I could get him on board to play the role of Udhay’s dad, who, in the movie, is a photographer and dreamer (smiles). I asked him to suggest a title and it was he who immediately said Nimir, which apparently goes well with the theme of the film,” the National Award-winning filmmaker says.
The Kanchivaram director states that he has improvised the script to suit Tamil audience. “I have dedicated the film to Bharathiraja, a pioneer in exploring the beauty of Tamil Nadu. I have made cultural changes to the script, which also has various Tamil slangs.”
Heaping laurels on Udhayanidhi, he said, “Udhay has done a superb job. Everyone will be surprised by Udhay’s beautiful transformation in this film. He is such a good student and has a lot of patience.”
On the heroine Namita Pramod, he says, “She joins the list of the talented, good-looking Jyothika and Trisha whom I introduced.” Parvathy Nair is also part of the cast. Samuthirakani, who doubles up as a dialogue writer as well, plays a character with negative shades.
Asked if Nimir will have the signature style of Priyan, pat he replies. “I have made the film with a lot of humour and an equal dosage of emotions (smiles). I can vouch that it is one of the most beautiful films in Tamil cinema with Ekambaram helming the cinematography. It is almost fully shot in and around Thenkasi; a few days were in Dubai. The music is handled by Adhilesh Loknath and Darbuka Shiva.”
