Not many directors get an opportunity to work with actors they idolise. Bramma, who is wrapping up Magalir Mattum, a feel-good entertainer, is an exception as he admits that he considers himself lucky to have worked with actors he always admired.
The film stars Jyothika, in the role of a documentary filmmaker, apart from Bhanupriya, Saranya Ponvannan and Urvashi. Talking about his all-women lead cast, Bramma tells CE, “I’m an ardent fan of the work of all the women in my film and I consider it a privilege to have collaborated with them. Throughout the shoot, they had a good relationship.
This is a story about women but it also features men — actors such as Nassar, Livingston and Paval Navageethan, in important roles.”
This is Bramma’s second film after the National award-winning Kuttram Kadithal (2014), which also revolved around a woman protagonist. He beleives that there are a lot of things about women that are yet to be spoken about and hence his fascination to make films with female protagonists. But going by the way Jyothika has been portrayed so far, seen riding a Royal Enfield in the film’s poster, it could be said that she is Bramma’s hero in the film. When prodded about it, he said, “It’s a taboo that only men ride bikes. Except for their physical difference, I don’t see any difference in men and women.”
The film will throw a different light on Jyothika’s performance. “She plays Prabha, a very post-modernistic character that is tough and bold.” He admits to have been scared to approach her with the offer. It all changed after she came on board.
Recalling the experience of working with the 36 Vayadhinile (2015) actress, he said, “She’s sincere and disciplined. Despite her popularity, she doesn’t take things for granted. She was always the first person to reach the sets and sometimes we have made her wait for a shot.”
Suriya produces the film and Bramma has only positive things to share. “He doesn’t micromanage and supports us in every way possible. He has cooperated well,” he said. Having completed shooting large portions of the film, Bramma says they’re still contemplating a release date. The film has music by Ghibran.