Film inspired by Maari Selvaraj's life

Maari Selvaraj, well known writer who had his tutelage under national award winning filmmaker Raam right up to his upcoming flick Peranbu, is turning independent now. He will wield the megaphone for a movie titled Pariyerum Perumal.  While Kathir essays the male lead in the titular character of a law college student, Anandhi plays Jyothi Mahalakshmi, as his classmate, in the film.  Set in the southern districts of Nellai and Thoothukudi, the film can be called a lifestyle film and it is inspired from my own life, says Maari. 

“Pariyerum Perumal is the deity's name in a village in Thoothukudi. I studied at Tirunelveli Law College and used to travel from my village to the town. The incidents that I underwent and experienced in my life form the crux. There are many characters around whom the story revolves,” Selvaraj reveals.

So, how did Ranjith pick your story? We ask. “He is a regular reader of my short stories and series and was impressed with them. So, we used to interact. When he launched his own banner Neelam Productions, he called and asked if I have any story to be made as a film. I narrated the script of PP and he gave me a decent budget with only one condition that what I narrated should reflect on the screen without any change (smiles).” And there's no villain in the film and it is the situation in each episode that creates problems. A dog named Karuppi plays a significant role and Santhosh Narayanan, a favourite of Ranjith has been roped in for music.  

“For the first time, Santhosh is trying his hand in a new genre (southern Tamil Nadu). It's a mix of folk and modern music. I have also penned lyrics for two songs.”  Cinematographer Sridhar has done extraordinary work, shooting the entire schedule in  47 days, holding the camera on his shoulders, Selvaraj adds.