Nedunalvaadai

Cast

• Poo Ramu as Karuvathevar@Chelliah Thevar
• Mime Gopi as Kombiah
• Elango as Elango
• Anjali Nair as Amudha
• Ajay Natraj as Maruthapandi
• Senthikumari as Pechiamma
• Aindhu Kovilan as Nambithevar

Production

Nedunalvaadai is the first crowd funded Tamil Film. It's been jointly produced by 50 people. The Director of the film Selvakannan was an alumnus of Sankar Polytechnic College, Tirunelveli. 50 of his classmates joined together and funded this movie project. Shooting of the film took place around the Villages surrounding Vasudevanallur and Sankarankovil.

Director Selvakannan decided to make Nedunalvaadai, his sole focus was on narrating an impactful story, which will win the appreciation of critics and audience alike. The director says, "There have been many films in the industry that spoke at length about the relationship between a mother and her child and a father and his child. But, not many have delved into the bond a grandchild shares with his/her grandparents. My film revolves around a 70-year-old man (played by Poo Ramu) and his grandson."

While the film mostly stars newcomers, Selva has roped in Kaviperarasu Vairamuthu to pen the lyrics. "Vairamuthu sir and editor Kasi Viswanathan are the only two celebrities in the film," he laughs, "I've assisted Vairamuthu sir in his office and have known him for a long time. He didn't charge us a penny for writing the lyrics. One of the songs he has written for us — Karuvatheva Un Kannellam Kanneera — will be a highlight; he was inspired by his own grandfather while penning it". Theater personality Poo Ramu, who got critical acclaim for his performance in Poo (film), will be seen as the central character of an aged farmer.

Selvakannan says, “Any well-made film, which has a native subject is lapped up by Tamil audiences, Kizhakku_Cheemayile, Thenmerku_Paruvakaatru to name a few. Nedunalvaadai is one such intense story based on people who still live in Tirunelveli. Ramu has lived in the character of 70-year-old innocent farmer. Mime Gopi, Elango, Senthikumari are in the supporting cast.

The film is set against the backdrop of Tirunelveli, and interestingly, has been produced by 50 of his friends from college. "It's been more than 17 years since we all studied together in Tirunelveli, but we make it a point to meet every year. We've always wanted to do something to make our polytechnic college proud. So, we decided to make a film on human emotions and showcase our town in a new light. Though many films have been based in Tirunelveli, we felt none portrayed its true essence. So, my friends funded this venture. This is a festival film and I'm hopeful of it bagging a National Award," Selvakannan signs off on an optimistic note.

References