Mannar Mannan Engira Joker, a political satire: Raju Murugan

Raju Murugan, the journo-turned-filmmaker who floored everyone with his debut film, the emotional drama Cuckoo that bagged awards and was critically acclaimed, has chosen a political satire as his next project, which is interestingly titled Mannar Mannan Engira Joker.

Not resorting to big actors, Raju chose 60-year-old Somasundaram, a small-time actor who has worked in films like Aaranya Kaandam and Jigardhanda (both national award winners) as his lead protagonist. “After Cuckoo, I travelled all over India for six months and was shocked to witness the sea changes the country had undergone. My Joker is a simple movie about a simple man Mannar Mannan from Pappireddypatti in Dharmapuri. It’s an out-and-out laugh riot, and takes a dig at our political system in a satirical manner,” Raju tells DC.

He adds, “Somu is a fantastic actor with a great sense of humour, similar to Bollywood artiste Nawazuddin Siddiqui.” Ramasamy, who is a strong presence on the drama stage, has been roped in to play a crucial character. Ramya and Gayathri are the two lead ladies. The movie will be produced by Dream Warrior Pictures, and will have Sean Roldan of Vayai Moodi Pesavum fame composing the music.