Filmmaker A Govindamurthy strongly believes that love and education play important roles in shaping up one’s destiny. Pappali, that stars Mirchi Senthil and Ishara, dwells largely on these beliefs. “My first Tamil film was Karuppasamy Kuthagaidharar. When I narrated Pappali script to the producers, they liked it and immediately agreed to produce the film. Previously, I have worked as an assistant to directors Simbu Devan, Sasi, and Ezhil,” he says.
“It’s a serious comedy with a liberal dose of romance and sentiments. Mirchi Senthil plays Karthik, who’s an IAS aspirant. He runs an idli shop on a pushcart. Whether he’s able to achieve the big dream or not and how the heroine’s parents help him after their daughter falls in love with him, forms the rest of the plot. The movie insists that one must have a positive approach towards his life,” he says, adding that the movie has Saranya playing an important role.
“Vijay Ebenezer has scored the music for this film and there are five melodious songs. Ishara, a newcomer, plays his pair. Her other Tamil film Venmegam with actor Vidharth is yet to hit the screens. Actor Nirosha has returned to silverscreen after a long time with Pappali for a dance number,” he says.
The film seems to be more than just a project for Govindamurthy. “I couldn’t continue my engineering course due to financial constraints. I was feeling really low that time and I remember reading Sirpiye, Unnai Sedhukukiraen (Sculptor, I Sculpt You), a book by lyricist Vairamuthu. That made me regain confidence and faith. I was inspired by that book and decided to read more. I managed to read every work by Vairamuthu,” he says.
According to the filmmaker, Pappali will also be a laugh riot like his previous film Vedigundu Murugesan, but it will also have a message in the climax.
So, why did he choose Ishara and Senthil for the lead roles? “I wanted two good actors, who would be able to complete the project in time. So I zeroed in on them. I can neither afford big stars nor wait for dates,” he says. Besides, Ilavarasu, Saranya, Singampuli and Jegan play important roles in the film,” says the director.