Invariably, filmmakers find that the project that they hoped to debut with hit the theatres only a few films later. Director Thiru is no exception.
While his first film 'Theeradha Vilayaatu Pillai' (TVP) with actor Vishal was a rom-com, his next, again with the 'Avan Ivan' star, is an action thriller and is on the verge of completion.
When asked about the change of genre, he says “I have always wanted to make films without the regular potboiler ingredients such as comedy and romance. And so 'Samar' should have been my first film. But since it is a high budget project, I had to prove myself first and that’s why TVP happened,” said Thiru.
After his second project 'Ethirali' was dropped due to unknown issues, he narrated the story of 'Samar' to Vishal and both of them decided to do it.
Thiru says Vishal plays a forest trekker in the film who visits Thailand on an assignment. But in a strange turn of events, he falls into a trap after which his life becomes a roller-coaster ride.
“He doesn’t quite understand the incidents which take place in his life and keeps meeting different people while coming out of the maze. I am sure the audience will be able to relate to Vishal’s character,” said Thiru.
Vishal was naturally suitable for the role of a forest trekker, according to him. 'Samar' also has actors Manoj Bajpayee and JD Chakravarthy playing key roles. “I’m a huge fan of Manoj Bajpayee. When I wanted to cast him in this film, I decided to bring the 'Satya' (1998) combo by roping in JD Chakravarthy as well. Though Manoj was initially sceptical about having to overact to suit the taste of south Indian audiences, he realised it was not so in just a couple of days,” said Thiru.
The movie has five songs composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Thiru will begin the last schedule of shoot after Vishal returns from the sets of one of his other projects, MGR. When asked if he could find any marked changes in Vishal’s performance after his film with director Bala, he says, “Frankly, Vishal hasn’t quite come out of his 'Avan Ivan' avatar. There has definitely been a major change in the way he embraces his character these days.”