Pigeon racing may not have figured prominently in mainstream Tamil cinema even though it was part of Dhanush’s Maari. And now here is John Glady, a finalist from Naalaya Iyakkunar Season 5, who is coming out with a film based on pigeon racing.
Titled Byri, the film has Syed Majid, a koothu-p-pattari trained actor and a popular face in short film circuit, playing the male lead. Meghna and Saranya Ravichandran play the two heroines. Viji Chandrahsekar will also be seen in a crucial role.
Speaking to DC, John says, “Not many Indian filmmakers have explored a theme on pigeon racing. The pigeon races are very popular in Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district and people have been playing this sport for more than 100 years. This fact is seldom documented. Till a decade ago, pigeon fanciers were conducting races regularly in south Tamil Nadu. We have done extensive research and given a film based on real life incidents, an insight into life of the people who indulged in the sport and their present state with a commercial touch to the script.”
Besides artistes, 50 local residents from Nagercoil are also being roped in for small characters. While Vasanth is the cameraman, Arun Raj does the music.
