Pa Ranjith, director of Kabali and Kaala, has joined the list of filmmakers who’ve started their own banners to encourage young talents. His first project as a producer, Pariyerum Perumal, will be directed by Maari Selvaraj, a former assistant of the National Award-winning filmmaker Ram.
The film is set in Tirunelveli and based on Maari’s actual experiences in a law college.
Says Ranjith, a staunch believer in Ambedkar’s ideologies, “Ambedkar, when he was in a sorrowful place, once said, ‘It is with great difficulty that I have pulled the chariot and stopped here. Please don’t pull it backwards.’ I promise that I will only pull the chariot forward, and Pariyerum Perumal is only the beginning.”
He adds that he wants to make the most of this opportunity, saying, “I want to influence people by breaking the stigmas of society through the art of cinema. I have always wanted to do something good for society, and now that I have the opportunity, I am making an effort.”
Ranjith reveals that his wife is his biggest motivator. “Whenever I feel the burden of producing a movie, my wife motivates me as and tells me not to give up,” he says.
Talking about the relationship shared by Maari and his mentor, Ram, he says, “I am jealous of the father-son relationship they share.”
Pariyerum Perumal features Kathir and Anadhi playing the lead pair, with Yogi Babu playing a crucial role. “Santhosh Narayanan’s music is the highlight of the film,” the producer says, adding, “I am not against anyone. I want to join hands with those who work for the betterment of society, and Pariyerum… will help me do that.”
