Starting out on a mature note

Mogamul novel penned by Janaki Raman was the inspiration for Nee Enna Maayam Seidhai reveals debutant director SR Balaji.  "There was the movie Mogamul based on the novel three decades ago, but my script is totally different. It is about the relationship between a youth and a woman 10 years older than him." The venture is produced by first time producer Kavitha Naren.

"The point I'm trying to highlight is that society has different yardsticks for men and women. The essence of the story is in the private moments shared by two mature adults. Also, there comes a moment in everyone's life when a single decision decides their fate. That's what my film explores," says the filmmaker. "I have done my best to keep the audience engaged and to accept the climax," he adds.

On casting newcomer Vivek Rajasekharan against the seasoned Neha Saxena, Balaji sees nothing amiss in his decision. "The script warranted a newcomer, but the main protagonist needed to be someone with experience like Neha, who has had a few hits in Kannada and Malayalam. Besides, playing someone aged 35 wouldn't be easy for a newcomer," says Balaji, who says Neha gave her nod after giving a long hearing to his script.

Balaji notes that when narrated with assurance, the audience are not averse to accept mature themes in films, citing the example of K Balachander 's Apoorva Raagangal. "Infatuation isn't something that is restricted to teenagers alone. My plot has adults whose minds waver. If I can make the audience connect to the plot, it will be a victory of sorts," says the debutant who is keeping his fingers crossed for a good verdict from the audience. And also for the GST issues to be sorted out before scheduled July 7 release of his film.