Ritika Singh turns boxer again

We had earlier reported that Arun Vijay, who is currently shooting for director Naveen's Agni Siragugal alongside Vijay Antony, will be playing a professional boxer in a sports drama titled boxer, to be directed by debutant director Vivek. Now, we hear that Ritika Singh, who rose to fame with her portrayal of a boxer in the 2016 film Irudhi Suttru, has been signed to play the female lead in the film.

Talking about the casting, director Vivek says that Ritika was his first choice for the character ever since he completed the first draft. "As my script is about the emotional ups and downs of the boxing game and the female lead is also a boxer,  I was looking for someone who looks the part of a boxer, is well-versed with the intricacies of the sport, and could also emote convincingly. Ritika, being a mixed martial arts artist, understood the script's potential, and gave the go ahead instantly. She, in addition to attending training sessions for freestyle boxing, has also gone on a special diet to look bulked up. Her soulful role in the film will be surely talked about."

Vivek adds that the film's protagonist Arun Vijay has also simultaneously started his training schedule in regular and  mixed martial arts under the guidance of stunt choreographer Peter Hein in Malaysia and Vietnam. "Everything is shaping up well. Boxer, while avoiding the usual cliches associated with the rags to riches underdog story, will explore the life of an established boxer, and how he confronts his own demons and pushes the bar ahead. In the coming days we will annnounce a few big names, who are also part of the cast. We are planning to go on floors in the first week of April."

Boxer, which has music by Leon and cinematography by  Markus A Lujungbern (London), is produced by V Mathiyalagan of Etcetera Entertainment.