By Esther Sunita [ September 04, 2008 ]
Views: (37)

Raj Kiran in Sarithiram

After Uyir and Mirugam, Saami’s latest movie is Saritharam. Produced by S.N. Raja under ITA banner, this movie is on the colourful subject of silambattam, the traditional martial art form of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which involves fighting with long sticks. ITA banner, which has produced films like Rameshwaram and Acharya, is again focusing on a village-based subject.

Raj Kiran, who has done movies like Muni and Sevvel, is again the main focus of Sarithiram. He essays the role of a silambattam guru (asan) named Azhagar Sami; Adhi will play his student. Kalabhavan Mani and Shanmugarajan appear in the roles of the asan’s students. The heroine is played by a fresh face Sridevika, who debuted in the Kannada flick, My Autograph. Her effervescence has lent a feminine touch to the traditional masculine atmosphere of the movie.

The movie is set in Tirunelveli and the production crew has painstakingly given it the touches of authenticity. The movie revolves around the concept of traditional Tamil sports, which has been the base for many other martial arts and games within India.

The authentic sets, designed by Veerasamar have a budge of around Rs. 50 lakhs. The sets include the traditional silambattam training centre, traditional asan’s house and various other sets which require enormous research for that authentic look. Over 250 silambattam practitioners have been brought in from Kerala and Nagarcoil to lend the proper ambience. They have been selected for their excellent body structure acquired with years of training in silambattam.

The shooting is continuing in Pollachi against the beautiful scenic backdrop of the hills. The scenic beauty of the place is being excellently picturised by Ramesh the cinematographer. The stunt choreographer, Rambo Rajkumar, is doing a great job with the stunt sequences.

Speaking to the press, Raj Kiran said, “I am very happy to act in such a traditional movie set in a village background. I am training in the art of silambattam for four hours each day as I like to be perfect in what I do. Also, as there are two schools of silambattam: 'Vada Kallari' and 'Then Kallari', so I am familiarizing myself with the subtle differences.

Director Saami said this will be a much talked about film and will break barriers in film making. The USP of the film is that Raj Kiran, who does very selective roles, was so taken up by the subject and his own role, that he immediately agreed when the director requested him.

According to producer S.N. Raja, the budget is such that the quality of the movie has not been compromised. He stated that the budget would not be a constraint and the film will be a colourful extravaganza.

The movie’s shooting has been progressing briskly for the past 15 days and a Pongal release has been planned.

Check out the links below:

Sarithiram photo gallery

Listen to songs and download them