Mollywood director Anil Kumar, who awaits his first Kollywood release Serndhu Polama starring Unnale Unnale fame Vinay Rai and Madhurima, says it wasn’t much of a challenge directing a movie in a different language. “Tamil isn’t a difficult language. Compared to Malayalam technicians, here people are a lot more friendly and professional. I wouldn’t be able to do the same film if I had to do it in Malayalam,” says the director, at the audio launch of Serndhu Polama.
The Manthrikan director has directed nearly 38 films in Malayalam, besides working with all biggies including Mammootty, Dileep and Jayaram.
Talking about the plot of Serndhu Polama, he says, “It deals with a few children who relocate from Tamil Nadu to New Zealand. Thambi Ramaiah plays a Casanova and Thalaivasal Vijay has an important role. We predominantly shot in New Zealand. There’s an equal dose of travel, friendship, suspense and romance,” says Anil. He adds, “The two lead characters go on a journey from Auckland to South Island. There are lots of flashback elements that reveal why the characters do so and there’s also a suspense in the shape of a crime that had happened.”
And why did he choose New Zealand as the locale? “Since the film’s producer Sasi Nambeesan is based there, it was easier for us to obtain permission for shooting. But getting things done was still difficult. We had to plan the schedules in advance so that we could do the movie in 30 days. Moreover, it’s the most romantic spot ever,” says Anil.
Anil says he’s started working on his next international venture. “It’s my dream script and is based in a village. I have incorporated the Hindu philosophy and adventure to bring out the rural-earthly feel. The female lead is a Mongolian and the hero is an English guy. The journey of the film starts in Mongolia and ends in the Himalayas,” says Anil.
And as far as Serndhu Polama is concerned, except for a few scenes that are to be shot in Chennai, it is complete and will release this August end.