Thrillers, horror flicks and horror mixed with comedy are the new flavours in Kollywood, as they rake in the moolah at the box office. A host of talent is foraying into the industry with fresh ideas. Now, in Ra, viewers will see another genre called ‘experimental fantasy thriller’. What’s more? Two commercial airline pilots are set to enter Kollywood with the film. While commercial pilot-turned-actor Ashraf is the hero, his co-pilot and long-time friend Prabhu Yuvraj is debuting as director. The film is made by Ameer and Akbar, both first-time producers, under Plan A Studios banner.
“Though I’ve been a pilot since I was 19, I was always passionate about cinema. I would keep discussing it with my co-pilot Prabhu Yuvraj during break time on flights. One day, he said told me he had an idea for a film. We met a like-minded producer Ameen, who has a background in Visual Communication. He teamed up with my dad Akbar and we decided to produce Ra,” recalls Ashraf.
Prabhu Yuvraj says, “Ra’s tagline says it’s an experimental fantasy thriller. We have tried something new and the film can be called a genre bender since two genres, horror and psychological thriller, have been blended. The screenplay, BGM and special effects will be different. Both Ashraf and I have worked on the story and screenplay. We have tried to explain many things scientifically and logically.”
Though the music album by newbie Raj Aryan has six numbers, only one song has place on screen. The BGM is touted to add to the spooky effects. Producer Ameen says, “Ra means grabbing or taking away something. We found that to be a very apt title for the movie.
“The camera work is being handled by Nirav Shah’s former assistant R Saravanan. Aditi Chengappa, Ritika, J P Jay and Lawrence form the cast. The young cast and crew received a pat on the back from veteran producer Muktha Srinivasan and director Bhagyaraj. The movie is set to release by the end of the month.