Priyadarshan to direct Udhayanidhi

Udhayanidhi Stalin is one actor who chooses films to play to his strength, right from his debut acting venture, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi.   

The producer-turned-actor has so far acted in light-hearted movies except Gethu, which was an action thriller.

When the news of him collaborating with filmmaker Priyadarshan, who has an overwhelming body of work spanning three decades, was out, it came as a surprise to many.

Udhay is in the US and hence, DC contacted Priyan, who spilled the beans on the upcoming project. “Yes, I have brought Udhayanidhi to play the protagonist for my next flick, which is yet to be titled. It is a remake of Malayalam blockbuster Maheshinte Prathikaaram (Mahesh’s Revenge), which had Fahadh Faasil in the lead. Udhay will be reprising Fahadh’s role.”

Quiz him on how he chose Udhay, Priyan says, “The film is a comedy drama and Udhay was my first choice for the central character. I am very confident that he would pull it off.”

The original movie was based on the popular real life personality Thampan Purushan, a native of Thuravoor in Kerala.

The Chairperson of National Award Committee is quick to add, “I am making many changes in the script to suit Tamil nativity. I’m yet to complete the scriptwork.”  

Known for his flair for comedy, the new movie will also have its comic essence, he asserts. On his heroine, though he has not finalised one, the filmmaker says Namitha Pramod is his first choice and talks are on — “I have only signed Udhay and comedian MS Bhaskar, who will be seen in a crucial role. In the coming weeks, we would be confirming the other cast and crew.” The movie is set in Tenkasi, Theni and Madurai and will go on floors on July 15.