Appa, actor/director Samuthirakani is all geared up with his next, Thondan. “Though the title has political connotations, it is not one! The film is based on a real incident where an engineering student was brutally murdered in her classroom by a senior, whose advances she spurned,” explains the national award winning director about his dream project.
“I play an ambulance driver, Maha Vishnu, who wants to see everyone around him happy. Vishnu is termed as the lord of protection and hence my character is named after him,” Kani reveals.
The movie touches upon several topical social issues like the farmer’s plight, and jallikattu, among others. “I witnessed the youth revolution during jallikattu,” he says.
Heaping laurels on Vikranth, who plays an important role in the movie, the director says, “He essays an assistant in the ambulance. It is an emotionally challenging role and he will stand out. I believe that the film will take him to a different level.”
Says Vikranth, “Kani anna has been closely watching my work for a long time. I have learnt a lot from the team. I am proud to be part of a good film.” Sunainaa portrays a schoolteacher and Kani’s pair in the film. “She has given a great performance,” he states.
When questioned about Varalaxmi’s exit from the Malayalam remake of Appa, he simply says, “I heard she had some differences with the producer regarding her hotel stay and other amenities provided by the latter. She left the scene thanking the hero and me. Ineya has replaced her.”
