Director Ajay Gnanamuthu is upbeat about his upcoming film Imaikkaa Nodigal. The director has revealed that the antagonist in the movie has a meaty role to play and his first choice was director Gautham Menon. However, the filmmaker, despite being impressed with the script and the role offered to him, had to decline it as he was busy with a slew of his own directorial ventures including Enai Nokki Payum Thotta and Dhruva Natchathiram.
Eventually, Ajay zeroed in on Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap to play the role. On this, he had said in an interview: “When we were looking for a suitable replacement, loved Anurag Kashyap’s screen presence in Akira trailer. Later, approached Anurag sir through my guru Murugadoss. After a few minutes of my narration, Anurag sir said he would play the antagonist in my film. His character will be the epicentre of Imaikkaa Nodigal.”
Ajay went on to add that despite being an acclaimed director, Anurag did not have any qualms over acting in Imaikkaa Nodigal. He also pointed out that the director was helpful right from the start and did not interfere in the filmmaking process, making it clear that he was there just as an actor.
“Everyone in the team was impressed with the first scene of Anurag but when we asked him to see the monitor, he refused. Anurag sir said it’s my film and he would only perform by following my instructions,” Ajay added.
According to sources from the film’s camp, Anurag plays a character called Rudra. Talking about his role, Anurag had said in a statement: “Rudra is not your typical baddie. He doesn’t just smoke, drink, order his men around and indulge in item numbers. He is menacing, scary, smart and cunning. This strange mixture that forms the role is what tempted me to take it up although.”
Touted to be a thriller, the film’s director Ajay Gnanamuthu made his debut with Demonte Colony, a horror movie that went on to become a big hit. Written and directed by him, Imaikkaa Nodigal stars Atharvaa, Nayanthara, Anurag Kashyap and Raashi Khanna in pivotal roles. Vijay Sethupathi will be seen playing Nayanthara’s husband in a special cameo role.
Hip Hop Thamizha has composed music for this venture with RD Rajashekar cranking the camera and Bhuvan Srinivasan editing it. The film is produced by CJ Jayakumar under the banner Cameo Films India.
(Content provided by Digital Native)