The Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha starrer 96 turned out to be a blockbuster hit not only in its home state but in neighbouring Kerala as well. According to trade sources, the film has collected Rs 7 crore in its 24 days in the state with its theatrical share being close to Rs 3 crore. With this, Vijay Sethupathi’s fan base in Kerala is bound to increase manifold.
Set partly in the 1990s, 96 has been directed by Prem Kumar, the cinematographer of the hit movie Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom. 96 sees Vijay Sethupathi join hands with Prem Kumar, who had previously worked with him in Naduvula Konjam… In the film, Vijay is seen playing a travel photographer and the story tracks different stages in the life of his character. The story focusses on Vijay as 16-year-old and 36-year-old characters. The film has been bankrolled by Nandagopal under his banner Madras Enterprises. The star cast of 96, besides Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha, also includes Varsha Bollamma, Aadithya Baaskar, Gouri G Kishan, Devadarshini, Janagaraj and Bagavathi Perumal in supporting roles. The film’s music is composed by Govind Menon with N Shanmuga Sundaram cranking the camera and Govindraj editing it.
It may be noted here that 96 is all set to be remade in Telugu and its rights have been bagged by Dil Raju. Sources in the know say that Nani may be reprising the role done by Vijay Sethupathi in the Tamil version.
96 director Prem Kumar, confirming that the remake rights have been sold, told TNM at the film’s press meet held in Chennai recently that he isn’t sure if Nani has been signed. There is speculation that Nani may co-produce the film with Dil Raju leaving the hero role to another actor. Further, both Trisha and Samantha are in talks to play the female lead and we can expect an official announcement soon on who bagged the role.
(Content provided by Digital Native)