CHENNAI: When a debutant director makes a mark with his very first film, expectations are always high from his second film. When I remind Sasikumar, who is busy with the final mix of his upcoming flick, 'Easan', about the immense expectations, the director intervenes, “And responsibility too. I don’t want people to compare this film with 'Subramaniapuram'. The first scene of 'Easan' will make sure that the audience forgets my previous films.”
The songs of 'Easan', scored by James Vasanthan (who gave super hits in 'Subramaniapuram'), are already hits. Says the director, “We had 'Kangal irandal' in 'Subramaniapuram', because the script needed such a duet. But, you can’t expect a similar song in 'Easan'. All the songs have come out well, and 'Jilla vittu' will be a highlight.”
The director sets the record straight that the film is not just about Chennai’s nightlife, just because there’s a song shot in a pub.
“Nightlife is also a part of the film. But 'Easan' is about Chennai, its people and those coming from outside. It's a simple story with a different presentation."
This is where the director had to do some research. “Yes. I was waiting till 11pm on a Sunday in a popular pub to experience the nightlife but no one turned up. When I questioned the manager, he revealed that the pub swarms with people only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays,” he smiles.
'Easan' stars Vaibhav, who plays a college student, and Abhinaya, apart from the director’s good friend Samudrakani.
Contrary to popular perception, Sasikumar says that his association with Samudrakani began recently.
“It’s actually only on the sets of 'Subramaniapuram' that we became good friends. Samudrakani plays a police officer in this film and had to lose weight. We made him gain weight without his knowledge in 'Subramaniapuram' and now again, we’ve to cut it down,” he says.