A.M.R. Ramesh, who is known for his sensitive bio-pics is currently busy with his next flick titled Vana Yuddham in Tamil and Attahaasa in Kannada.
It is based on the slain forest brigand Veerappan’s life. Kishore is playing the protagonist and action king Arjun is caste as the STF Chief.
“The idea of making a movie on Veerappan has been lingering in my mind for quite sometime now. Kishore and I have been discussing the script for almost five years and the right time has come only now. A film on Veerappan will always raise curiosity as there are many untold truths about him.”
He did extensive research on the subject and even met Veerappan’s wife before getting started. “I met several police officers including Vijaykumar, Kempaiah, Shankar Bidari who worked in Veerappan’s terrain. I also visited jails and met Veerappan’s friends who are still serving sentences,” he says.
One of the highlights of the film will be the kidnapping of late Kannada Matinee idol Dr Rajkumar, played by Suresh Oberoi. What about Muthulakshmi’s approval?
“I met her twice. When Dr Rajkumar was kidnapped, I met Muthu for his release. Later, when Veerappan was killed in the fatal encounter, I met her once again in Mettur and got first hand information. Now, my common friends have informed her about the film,” he says.
Though Priya Mani was initially approached to play Muthulakshmi, it has finally fallen on the lap of Vijayalakshmi of Chennai-28 fame. “She was so excited when I approached her,” says Ramesh.
Veteran Jayachithra plays the role of CM J. Jayalalithaa in whose period Veerappan was gunned down.
The film narrated by a journalist (played by Lakshmi Rai) has been extensively shot in the real locations where Veerappan once lived.