Films set in rural backgrounds now might be shot in exotic locations like Pollachi. However, villages like Kundrathur, Kirgambakkam, Thiruneermalai and Kovoor still remain a favourite among filmmakers. These villages are quiet, isolated with huge tracts of farmland and hence preferred by them.
However, these houses were not built with the aim of using them as film sets. “We built them years back for ourselves. And filmmakers convinced us to rent them out. That’s how the whole trend started. We still stay in one corner of the house while the rest of the house will be used for shooting,” says Chakrapani Reddy who rents out his houses for film and TV serial shoot for more than 40 years.
While few houses have been renovated, there are a few which have been maintained in its old style. “We didn’t alter our house only because we still get calls for shooting,” says Jayammal, whose house became very popular when the television serial Metti Oli was shot.
Besides, the stars will be safe from hounding fans who throng the shooting spots. However, these locations are now used only for patch up work. “Since the budgets are huge these days, filmmakers prefer to go other locations and shoot. Only if there is some error in the shots they had taken and if they need to be re-shot then they come here,” says Prabakar, a staff at the Kundrathur Murugam Temple.
Kundrathur Murugan Temple
If there has to be a temple shot in films, filmmakers head to Kundrathur for its multi step entrance and its mountainous view. Films like Vijay’s 'Nenjinilae', Simbu’s 'Kadhal Azhivathilai', the latest 'Azhagar Malai' and TV serial 'Kolangal' and 'Velan' have been shot here.
Reddiar Houses
If filmmakers head to Kirgambakkam, then it has to be to the old Reddier House. The 120-year-old house has been in the list of popular locations for many filmmakers. It all started when Devar of Devar films requested the house owner to rent the place for shooting. Renting the house for more than forty years, many yesteryear stars like Jaishanker, Sivaji Ganesan, Vijayakumar, Raja Sulochana, SS Rajendran, Jaichitra have stayed in the house for shooting.
Kovoor
Kovoor, located near Kundrathur is still one of the most sought after location because of the Shiva temple located in the centre of the village and the four streets (Mada Veedhi) around it. The houses there still retain the old world charm. Films like Rajinikanth’s 'Mappillai', Vijayakanth’s 'Amman Koil Kizhakale' have been shot here.
Thiruneermalai
The Thiruneermalai Murugan temple is also popular for film shoots. Many comedy scenes by the duo Goundamani and Senthil have been shot here. Rajinikanth’s 'Raanuva Veeran', 'Amman', Vadivelu’s 'Pongalo Pongal' and many others were shot here.