Newcomer Srinivasan who has assisted filmmakers like Vasantha Balan and Suseenthiran is all set with his debut directorial venture Annadurai, which has Vijay Antony essaying dual roles of twin brothers — Annadurai and Thambidurai. Srinivasan reveals that the film has nothing to do with late CM Annadurai or politics, and is only a pure commercial flick. The film is dubbed in Telugu as Indrasena (the first look of Telugu version was unveiled by Chiranjeevi).
“Annadurai is a fictional story and not inspired from real life. However, I am a twin myself and my brother’s name is Keerthivasan! The story happens between 2010 and 2017. Annadurai is totally a new dimension to Vijay Antony sir. I have taken up the topic of emotions among the twins and played it up,” Srinivasan tells DC.
While Annadurai is a textile shop owner who drinks a lot, Thambidurai is a PT master. “I completed the portions of Annadurai who sports a beard, and then made Thambi’s segments. Vijay Antony sir has differentiated between the two characters extremely well. Dubbing was the challenging part, but he pulled it off with ease. Anna will always talk in a high decibel, while Thambi will have a normal tone!”
On choosing debutant Diana Champika as Antony’s pair, he says, “I wanted a girl without any image trap and hence chose Diana who is fluent in Tamil. She has given a wonderful performance and even dubbed for her role. Similarly, there’s yet another Telugu girl Mahima and Malayalam actress Jewel Mary in powerful roles. Kaali Venkat’s role is also pivotal. After the film Kadhal, this movie will be talked about for its appropriate casting.”
While the first half is jovial and peppy, the second half will bring tears, he adds. The screenplay is touted to be the highlight of Annadurai.
The movie has been extensively shot in Thirukoviloor, the native place of the director, as the script demanded one such location. Beside playing the hero, Vijay Antony has taken on the onus of music and editing as well.
