Actor-filmmaker M Sasikumar dropped a poster for a new film, titled Moi Virundhu, earlier today. The film, produced by S Kamalakannan of the SK Films International banner, marks the directorial debut of CR Manikandan. It is billed as a family drama with plenty of emotions and a feel-good element. Speaking about the film in an exclusive conversation with CE, Manikandan says, "Its story is based on 'Moi Virundhu', the long-time cultural practice of organising a feast specifically to raise money in the Peravurani and Pattukkottai areas of Thanjavur. If we need money, we go to a bank nowadays. However, the people of that place use Moi Virundhu for the same purpose."
The key to ensuring that a member of one's family organises the feast for another is the former's reputation in their location. For them, the director says, the reputation functions like how a CIBIL score would to a bank loan seeker.
According to the filmmaker, many people outside of the Thanjavur areas are not aware of this cultural practice, which is why he decided to do a film based on the idea. While the story is based on the Moi Virundhu practice in a real district, the director has added some fictional elements and emotions for a cinematic effect. The film's story follows Archana's (Veedu fame) character, Seetha, the heir of a family who brings the cultural practice to a village. "The family brings the feast out of a desire to do some good to the villagers, but they never organises one for themselves for a long time as they do not want to project a greedy image about themselves to the villagers. However, the family eventually decides to organise one as they face a loss. This forms the emotional crux of the story," Manikandan shares.
Deepa Shankar and Sujatha Sivakumar (Goli Soda fame) play friends of Archana's character in the film. The story revolves mainly around these three characters. Cook with Comali fame Rakshan and Uppu Puli Kaaram star Ayesha Zeenath play the film's hero and heroine, respectively. The film explores themes of traditions, family legacy, greed, and altruism. Manikandan draws a parallel between his lead character's reputation and her family's altruistic deeds with MG Ramachandran. According to the filmmaker, people still remember MGR is because of not just his cinematic legacy but also his humanitarian deeds. "Just like that, Seetha's reputation also lasts throughout her lifetime," he shares.
Besides serving as an assistant on films such as Manjapai, Dora, and My Dear Bootham, Manikandan has also written dialogues for Walter, starring Sibi Sathyaraj. His directorial debut also stars Aruldoss, Namo Narayanan, Manasvi Kottachi, Abarnithi, Gajaraj, Thangadurai, Lollu Sabha Maran, Kicha Ravi, Muruganatham , and Kottachi.
The film is in the post-production stage right now, and the makers are planning to release it theatrically in February next year. On the technical front, it has music by D Imman, cinematography by M Sukumar, and editing by Bhuvan.
