Filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon is on the verge of completing his spy-thriller Dhruva Natchathiram with Vikram and the project is slated to release this August.
The makers, for a long time, tried to keep the identity of the film's antagonist under wraps. However, it has been learnt from reliable sources that Malayalam actor Vinayakan, best known for his work in Kammatippadam, has been roped in to play the antagonist.
Apparently, Vinayakan plays a suave villain in the film which reportedly will be made as a trilogy and each part will release over the course of the next three years. While an official announcement regarding the film being a trilogy is awaited from the makers, sources close to Gautham have validated the reports and have confirmed that the director already has a story-line ready for the next two parts.
"Gautham wanted to do a film along the lines of The Bourne series, in a way it'd suit Indian sensibilities. Dhruva Natchathiram was always planned as a franchise but it wasn't decided if it will have three parts or more. Impressed and confident with how the film has shaped so far, Gautham decided to go ahead with the trilogy idea and has also convinced Vikram to come on board," a source said.
The film was shot in key locations outside India, especially in Europe and the US. After shooting a song in Turkey for Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada, Gautham wanted to return to the country to shoot some important portions in Dhruva Natchathiram. However, the crew, in September was denied entry into the country despite having all the required papers.
In a Facebook post, Gautham had written, "My film crew, stuck at Turkey border. On the road. More than 24 hours now. Officials not letting us in with equipment in spite of legit papers. Crew traveling from Georgia to Istanbul by road. Carrying camera and costumes. Stuck now! At the border. Unable to meet officials demands. Turkey, we are looking forward to film in your beautiful country. If anybody that matters is reading this, please HELP. Worried for my crew." The team was relieved when help came via Turkish Airlines who agreed to fly the crew.
Tipped to be the biggest film in Gautham Menon's career, the film also stars Aishwarya Rajesh and Ritu Varma as the leading ladies. Actor-filmmaker Parthiepan has been confirmed to play a pivotal role. The makers have kept the identity of the film's antagonist a secret as they have roped in someone very unusual for the role. Actors Radikaa Sarath Kumar and Simran play pivotal roles in the film, which has music by Harris Jayaraj.
(Content provided by Digital Native.)