The filmmaker reveals many influences that have worked on him. More over, the characters in the film are not the stereotypes to which Indian/Tamil film audiences are used. This film disproves both these points of view. Another argument one often hears is that Indian films have their own grammar and so do not compare them to international cinema. To counter the criticism against mindless entertainers, many filmmakers here have been saying that the audience wants only such films. Pulikesi, an imaginary poligar, is a lackey of the British and curries favour with them until his long lost twin brother, with a koan-like name Ukkirabuddhan, surfaces and sorts things out. The story is set in the backdrop of the Poligar wars - end of 18th and beginning of 19th century - with Kattabomman and Ettappan as off-screen characters. `Imsai Arasan 23aam Pulikesi' (King of Torture, the 23rd Pulikesi) is mesmerising Tamil audience.įor his first feature film, director Simbudevan has chosen a daring subject.
3 crores investment, he put up 11 sets and produced a movie in 61 days. Simbudevan, the debut filmmaker, was fortunate to get a producer willing to back his idea and put in the money. In an age when most of the filmmakers in this part of the country are enlarging time worn genres like the gangster, vigilante, patriotic and the boy-meets-girl, one filmmaker has done some lateral thinking and come out with a movie that breaks some myths built over the years about cinema in Tamil Nadu and in the process he is laughing all the way to the bank. We will know soon whether Simbudevan has that or not.Worked as a cinematographer for more than 25 films.
But to present it in that form, needs a serious mind. It has come good and I hope the audience will appreciate our effort'. He has done a commendable job.' On his part Vadivelu, said, 'It was a challenge indeed to play the lead role. On choosing Vadivelu for the lead role, he said, 'Since it is a comical movie we thought an actor like Vadivelu would fit in. Intensive research was done to present realism in the film, he added. Since historical films are a rarity these days, we thought it would be appropriate to try out a comedy in a historical movie. Shankar gave me enough liberty and encouraged me to come out with a quality film. Without his encouragement, we would not have completed the film.' The other credits are: Cinematography: Arthur Wilson, Art: P Krishnamurthy, Songs: Pulamaipithan, Stunt: Super Subbarayan, Editing: Sasikumar, Dance: Sivasankar and Music: Sabesh Murali.Īccording to Simbudevan, 'It is a hilarious comedy film from the start to end. The supporting cast is impressive in the form of Nagesh, Manorama, Nasser, Vennira Adai Moorthy, Sriman and Ilavarasu. The debutant has been an associate of Cheran. Keeping up with the trend of promoting new talents, Shankar entrusted Simbhudevan with the responsibility of the story, screenplay, dialogues and direction. It is something on the lines of the famous Hollwywood flick of the 80s History of the World. Monica and Nandhita are the leading ladies.Īccording to producer Shankar, 'After 28 years a Tamil movie would be centered around the happenings of a historical period - the King and Queen era'. If that touched a raw and sensitive nerve inside the viewers, Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi with comedian Vadivelu in the lead role, will reach for the funny bone. Kadhal stood for its simplicity and honesty. Director Shankar's films are known for rendering quality films.