In an age when gangster flicks, comedies and romances are ruling the roost, Aaram Vetrumai promises something different. The film is set in the past, dating around 900 years back, and features the story of tribals in a deep forest. Directed by Harikrishna, the film is produced by businessman turned film producer, Ajay, who wanted to pursue his passion for cinema. Driven by the unusual subject, he also decided to don the lead role of a tribal in it.
So what made him take the leap into cinema? “I always wanted to be a part of films, even while I pursued my business,” says the 29-year-old Ajay. “When this script came to me, I liked the unusual story and time setting. However, certain parameters had to be followed by the lead. So instead of waiting to find the right person, we decided that I would act in it myself.” The story is about a tribe of mountain dwellers, living in a bygone era. “It’s a suspense thriller,” is all he reveals. On much prodding he adds, “When a certain question comes to their mind, the answer leads to certain incidents. How this affects their lives forms the story.”
Ajay had to undergo a strict dietary regimen and workout training at the gym for six months. The tribals being fit and sturdy, and filmed with bare torsos, meant that all actors had to have toned, muscled bodies. The film has been shot extensively in the Satyamangalam, Thalakonam and Adirapally forests, for over 60 days.
From snakes and bees to leeches and elephants, the unit has experienced the presence of all during the shoot. Recounts Ajay, “At one time, six elephants came to our shooting spot in the forest. It was the locals who helped us escape the danger.” Since they had to be barefooted in the movie, and climb trees and run in the forests, danger of a different kind lurked around. “One time, I was running, when I felt a sharp pain. I continued the shot, thinking it was a thorn. But on examination, the villagers who used to accompany us into the forest, revealed that I had been bitten by a small snake! The first aid by their NaatuVaidhyam saved me. Later they took me to a nearby hospital.” Gopika and Umashree are the two female leads while a host of actors like Yogi Babu, Azhagu, Suryakanth, Cheran Raj, Nellai Sivan and Bondamani make up the cast. The highlight is bound to be the music by Ganesh Raghavendra of Renigunta fame. The makers are looking at a September release.