Nayan’s words carry weight, says RJ Balaji

Like how she was fasting while performing Sita in Sri Rama Rajyam, Nayanthara once again would observe fast and eat a pure vegan diet throughout the shoot of devotional film Mookuthi Amman, where she portrays goddess Amman. And she also requested the entire team to turn vegetarian while at work," revealed actor turned filmmaker RJ Balaji, who is debuting as the director with MA.

“At a time when horror and gangster revenge dramas occupy Tamil cinema space while there seems to be a void in the devotional genre, I am trying to fill the gap with an Amman movie,” the celebrity cricket commentator added.

While he disclosed that Nayan is essaying the titular character, there’s no romance and routine song and dance. Also, the movie is not a satirical comedy mocking gods as rumoured. "This is a pure Amman film with a large message to the society. When Vijay addressed an issue in Nanban and Ajith sent out a social message in Nerkonda Paarvai, the reach was phenomenal. Similarly, Nayanthara has a huge command and is in top slot for 16 years in a male dominated industry. When she tells something through Mookuthi Amman, I am confident it would be heard."

Balaji asserts he himself is a believer and would always pray to god before commencing any work. "Why would I make devotional film, with a controversial nature? It is a family entertainer, besides Nayan, I play a guy with a large family with parents, three sisters and extended family."

Ask him as how he roped in Nayan and the NGK actor says, " We have been friends right from Naanum Rowdy Thaan days. That doesn't mean I take favours from her. After penning MA script, I was just casually talking to Vignesh Shivn. Nayan asked me Enkitte ellam Kathai Solla maatiya? (if I wouldn’t narrate the script to her). For a while, I felt she was simply asking. However, she
said she meant it and gave me time for script reading. Halfway through, she was very impressed and gave her nod to be part of the project".

The film is about the Amman in Kanyakumari who is also called ‘Mookuthi Amman’. "Hence, we plan to start the shoot at Kanyakumari Amman Temple," he signs off.