Four films release this week: Semma Bodha Aagadhey and Asuravadham in Tamil, Sanju, a biopic on Sanjay Dutt, in Hindi, and My Story in Malayalam.
Semma Bodha Aagathey
Actor Atharvaa teams up with director Badri Venkatesh, who introduced him in Baana Kaathadi, for this movie. The title of this comic thriller had come in for some criticism, but the director says the film doesn’t promote or encourage any form of addiction, or justify drinking or smoking. The story revolves around a young man who gets high on liquor, does something stupid and lands in trouble.
As reported earlier, the film was scheduled to release in May. It stars Atharvaa Murali, Mishti Chakravarty and Anaika Soti in the lead, while Karunakaran, John Vijay, Manobala and Aadukalam Naren play supporting roles. Music has been composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and the film is produced by Atharvaa’s home banner, Kickass Entertainment.
Asuravadham
Asuravadham, as the title explains, is about the hero killing the asura (antagonist). The film is said to be an action-thriller with a pinch of family drama. It is directed by newcomer Maruthupandian and bankrolled by Seven Screen Studios.
Actor-director Sasikumar is the male the lead while Nandita Swetha plays his wife. Writer-turned-actor Vasumitra, who has worked with Sasikumar in Kidari, plays the antagonist. The film’s music has been scored by Thaikudam Bridge’s Govind P Menon; this is his debut in Tamil.
“Though the film is violent, there is a reason for it. The film has a strong social message that is much needed in today’s scenario,” says Sasikumar.
Dilip Subburayan, who has worked with Sasikumar seven times, choreographs the stunts for this film too. “This is a very important film for Sasikumar. This is something he hasn’t tried before. I do not employ doubles in most portions of any movie that I work in. And, Asuravadham is no different. Almost all the scenes have been shot without a double, both for the hero and antagonist,” says Dilip.
Sanju
Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju, a biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt, stars Ranbir Kapoor as the titular character. Actor and producer Sanjay Dutt is the son of veteran actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt; Paresh Rawal is cast as Sunil Dutt, while Manisha Koirala plays Nargis Dutt. Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Vicky Kaushal, Jim Sarbh and Boman Irani form the rest of the cast.
The film is bankrolled by Vinod Chopra Films and Rajkumar Hirani Films. in association with Fox Star Studios.
The trailer of the film starts off with Ranbir Kapoor doing a voiceover, delivering the punch line: “Itna variety wala life aapko kidhar milega? Main bewra hoon, tharki hoon, drug addict hoon, saab hoon.. lekin terrorist nahin hoon (Where will you get a life of such variety? I am an alcoholic, sex and drug addict, but not a terrorist),” an honest summary of Sanjay Dutt and his life.
The film faced a controversy when the Central Board of Film Certification received a complaint from activist Prithvi Mhaske alleging that the scene showing an overflowing toilet in the jail cell tarnished the image of the Indian prison system. Also, The National Commission for Women on Wednesday received a complaint by advocate and social activist Gaurav Gulati for alleged derogatory remarks against sex workers in the film.
My Story
This romantic comedy has been directed and produced by newcomer Roshni Dinakar, who has worked as a costume designer in many South Indian movies.
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The movie stars Prithviraj and Parvathi in the lead, while Roger Narayan plays the antagonist. The film also has Manoj K Jayan and Manianpillai Raju in supporting roles. This is Prithviraj and Parvathy’s second collaboration after VS Vimal’s romantic-drama Ennu Ninte Moideen.
Talking to Times of India, Roger said, “I play the villain named David. The bulk of my portions will be shot in Portugal, except for a few days in India. I will be dubbing for myself, because I think my pronunciation is fine. Obviously, I look forward to brushing up a lot of things for the movie”.
Apart from this film, Roger is also a part of Kamal Haasan’s Sabash Naidu.