Director Sundar C is known for his comedies, but his family love a different genre — leading to his latest film.
“My daughters and wife would drag me to watch a horror video at home, all the while clutching on to me,” says Sundar, who helms this weekend’s Tamil release, Aranmanai.
Sundar, known for his comedies, has infused humour into this tale that unfolds in an aranmanai (palace).
An added attraction is a large star-led cast that includes Andrea Jeremiah, Hansika, Lakshmi Rai, Vinay Rai and Santhanam.
“As with any horror story I needed a huge house where I could place my characters. They could be a group of friends or a large family.”
An old building in Hyderabad was renovated at a cost of around Dh30 million over three months with the help of 400 workers. While the shooting of the film was completed last year, the release was delayed due to computer graphics work.
“It took us eight months and that’s when I realised how tough CGI is,” says Sundar, who also plays a significant role in the film.
“We have around one hour and more of computer graphics and it’s going to be the best seen recently.”
Other members of the cast include Nithin Sathya, Kovai Sarla and Manobala.
Praising his actresses for their commitment and cooperation, Sundar adds, “Hansika’s character will surprise the audience.”
The actress, who has already worked with Sundar in two films, will be seen in traditional attire, busting her image of a modern girl. Six-year-old actor Priya plays a pivotal character.
Talking about a scene with Priya, Sundar says, “There is a scene where I ask her ‘With whom are you talking? And Priya tells me, ‘He is standing right here’, but my character is not able to see anyone there.”
While editing the silent portions of the film, Sundar says he and his editor Srikanth were spooked when they heard a breathy voice in that portion of the scene with Priya.
“For a few minutes we were speechless. I still have the tape with me.”
“Watch Aranmanai with your family, there is fear element and fun moments too,” he adds.
Bharadwaj has composed the music and U.K. Senthil Kumar is the cinematographer.
