Balaji Sakthivel is a director with difference. His maiden venture 'Samurai' starring Vikram dealt on a mass theme. Though it received a lukewarm response at the box office, it brought to light his directorial skills. He followed it up with 'Kadhal', produced by his mentor Shankar. A romantic potboiler, it was raved as one of the best contemporary Tamil films.
It announced the arrival of Balaji Sakthivel with a bang. After taking his own time, he is back with his next 'Kallori'.
'Kallori', the director hopes, would take him to greater heights. The movie has hogged enough limelight even before it could hit the screens for it is produced again by director Shankar for his S Pictures.
The movie stars Tamanna in the lead role. Giving her company is Akhil, a newcomer. A host of fresh faces are playing roles in the movie.
Says Balaji Sakthivel: "New talents like Balamurugan, Hema, Rajeswari, Sailatha, Maya Reddy, Arun Kumar, Alex and Prakash are all impressive."
Cinematographer Chezhian who has worked with P C Sriram makes the debut with this movie. He has worked hard to give the film a realistic look. Na Muthukumar's lyrics and Joshua Sridhar's (Kaadhal-fame) music are sure to leave the audience humming.
"Every artist was told to act naturally. In fact, nobody believed that a 'shooting' was taking place at Sivagangai, when we went there," says Balaji.
As far as Shankar's 'S' Pictures is concerned, it is the fourth film after the hat trick hits of Kaadhal, 'Imsai Arasanum 23am Pulikesiyum' and 'Veyil'.
The movie would reflect the feelings of every student and efforts are being taken to ensure that nothing looks cinematic in the movie, the director says.
Tamanna, who had acted in a couple of films before says, "I would rather say this is my first. Everybody in the sets was friendly. Balaji Sakthivel taught me the nuances of acting with patience and managed to extract the best from me."
"'Kallori' would be different from 'Kadhal'. College is not just a place to have fun. It is a place where relationships are built. It is an abode of friendship and emotions. Kalloori will be a strikingly different film", says Balaji with confidence.
'Kallori' is slated to be released on December 7.
