Pokkiri Raja is India's First Fun-fantasy Film

After impressing audiences and critics with his first film, Tamilukku En Ondrai Azhuthavum (2014), director Ramprakash Rayappa is now busy finishing his next film, Pokkiri Raja.  The film, which features Jiiva, Sibi and Hansika in the lead, is believed to be India’s first fun-fantasy film and Jiiva’s 25th film. The film’s teaser was launched recently.

Says director Ramprakash, “My first film had a unique plot; just like that, this film too will be different from the others. Jiiva and Hansika play IT professionals. Sibi plays a youngster who does nothing in particular. The story primarily revolves around these three characters.”

But what exactly happens between the three? Says Ramprakash, “I can’t talk about it now. However, what I can say is that Hansika causes a problem between Jiiva and Sibiraj. At a later stage, Sibi causes a problem between Hansika and Jiiva, who are in love.”

Ask him where the fantasy element comes in, and the director grins, “I want that to be a surprise. You will get to know when you watch the movie.” Music for the film, which has four songs, has been scored by D Imman.

Usually, when a film features two heroes, stars compare each other’s roles before accepting the project. Did that happen in this film? “Yes, it did happen. But Jiiva and Sibi are good friends and both wished each other well. While narrating the script to Sibi, I was very vague when it came to explaining Jiiva’s character. However, Sibi asked for a clearer picture and then I had to explain Jiiva’s role too. After hearing about Jiiva’s part, Sibi called him and congratulated him and told me that he would do the film. Only later I found out that the two of them are very good friends,” he explains.

Work on the film, Ramprakash says, is almost done. “We shot the film in Chennai and in Pondy in just 57 days. We are now in the post-production stage and are looking to release it on February 26,” he points out.