When it comes to a film that casts celebrated names like Arya and Shriya Saran, expectations are bound to be high. So, as Chikku Bukku gears up for a grand audio launch this month, the man behind it, director Manigandan, is keeping his fingers crossed. He is however confident about the work he has put in the film. And “Why not?”, he asks. “When I was working with Jeeva sir, I learnt and imbibed a lot of aspects like casting, music (which includes choreography) and cinematography (including a location that suits the script) — and their importance when it comes to the success of a film,” the director recalls fondly.
Talking about his team, Manigandan says, “Arya, since his Ullam Ketkume days, has been doing a great job with his roles. In this film, he plays the typical chocolate boy. He has worked on his dance steps as well. Shriya Saran’s original personality is what reflects in this film. We considered Vidya Balan for Preethika’s role in the film, but it could not happen,” he says.
We have amazing music from the Colonial Cousins — Hariharan and Leslie — who are coming together for the second time in a Kollywood project (first one being Modhi Vilaiyadu). And RB Gurudev’s work is amazing.
Having shot in the wonderful locales of London, Karaikudi and the Western Ghats, the visuals are extremely beautiful.
Even the shooting for the song sequences was completed in a day’s time, except the one shot in Amritsar, which was done on a different day with Wadali brothers,” says Manigandan.
The Dhaam Dhoom director who started with 12B says, “Jeeva sir used to call me a buffoon (laughs). He was always very close to his crew, which is why many of us who have worked with him are still together, even on other projects.” Talking about the film, he says, “It is a romantic travelogue. Chikku Bukku — often related to the sound of the train is an interesting journey from start to finish — commencing from London to Karaikudi. It is not a love triangle. There is suspense towards the end of the film. The film was shot in 90 days flat. The film is about the pleasant experience of falling in love when you are young.” Talking about the visual aspect of the film, Manigandan lights up, “We have tried to use colours to depict the vagaries of life like purity, divinity, separation and love. It is not a typical road movie of sorts, but there is meaning behind the imagery and colours.” He adds, “The film has its share of romance, action, and pathos. It may seem there are separate tracks but it is very much part of the story. And the sojourn like a train journey has to find its destination and the tracks have to converge at a point. Watch out for that!” he concludes.