Not quite Jungle Book’s Bhageera!

Adhik Ravichandran, who came into the limelight with his debut, Trisha Illana Nayanthara, a coming-of-age adult comedy, had gone into oblivion post the fiasco of his second film, AAA with Simbu. But he’s back with a bang - a Prabhu Deva starrer titled Bhageera.

The intriguing first look of the young filmmaker’s latest was unveiled by actor Dhanush on Friday.

In an exclusive to DC, Adhik talks about the film and roping in Prabhu Deva.

“It is a psychological mystery thriller. My favourite character in The Jungle Book stories is Bagheera. Inspired by that, I have made this script. I had the idea even before my first film, TIN.  The title character is based on Bagheera, which is a black panther in the story and serves as friend, protector and mentor. But here, my Bagheera (Prabhu Deva) is one who either protects or destroys. He decides whether to save or eliminate someone based on the situation.”

So, what does that third eye in the FL poster denote, we ask. “We all have a third eye, which sometimes sleeps and is awake now and then. But my Bagheera’s third eye is sharp and is always awake, staying vigilant”, he explains.

Adhik says that unlike his earlier movies, this is an intense flick. “It’s something new to me as well as for Prabhu Master who has never attempted a genre like this. His character has a lot of shades. I was initially doubtful whether Prabhu would accept the script, as it is not a usual film.  It was cinematographer Abhinandhan who took me to him and I narrated the story to him for two hours without a break. He was totally absorbed and gave his nod immediately.”

Though a serious film, Adhik also promises there’s enough excitement for dancing sensation PD fans.

Amyra Dastur essays Prabhu Deva’s pair and plays a psychology student. Music has been scored by Ganesan Sekar, a former assistant of GV Prakash. The film has been shot in Sri Lanka, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Goa.