‘Pariyerum Perumal team helped me understand caste politics’

Now, the actress is gearing up for the release of another film bankrolled by Pa Ranjith, under his home banner Neelam Productions. Titled Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu, the film is directed by debutant Athiyan Athirai.

The trailer of the film has already garnered good response on social media. Ask her about being part of films that talk about the barriers that exist in the society, she says, “It is a concious decision. I want to be part of films that give me some satisfaction. In fact, after Pariyerum Perumal, I was only listening to scripts for 18 months.” She adds, “That’s when Athiyan narrated me the script of Gundu..., which is also produced by Ranjith. It was well-written. To be honest, I didn’t understand even a bit when Athiyan narrated the script over phone. His accent was a bit strange to me. But then, when I read the script, I understood how intense and powerful it was. The technicians associated with Neelam productions are so talented and have that hunger for success. They read a lot and have a vision in what they do.”

Anandhi also tells us that she doesn’t want to sign films just for the sake of it. “I don’t want to sign big films without a purpose. They either want me to be glamorous or do roles that doesn’t have a scope to perform. I am little choosy.”(she smiles). The actress will be sharing screen space with Attakathi Dinesh for the second time in this film. Talking about it, she says, “He is very hardworking and dedicates himself completely for a character. He works in a scrapyard throughout the film and shooting there was not that easy. The dusts which comes out of the particles are harmful and Dinesh had to cope up with it throughout the shoot. There are realistic stunt sequences in the film, which he performed without any bodydouble.”

Ask about her character, she says, “Chithra is bold and independent. There is a lot of difference between my character in Pariyerum Perumal and this. She fights for her freedom and strongly believes in her ideologies.” Anandhi also explains how her travel with Neelam Productions helped her to learn caste politics and Dravidian ideologies. “Ranjith and other directors who I have worked with have always helped me to understand the stigma existing in the society. They used to give a book everytime I visit their office, which eventually helped me learn more.” On her upcoming projects, she says, “I am waiting for the release of Alaudhinin Arputha Camera, in which I play a role of thief. Another film which I have completed shooting for is Enge Andha Vaan. It’s a poetic love story that revolves around a girl who travels all the way from a village to IIT Madras.”