Nedunalvaadai

The director of the film Selvakannan is an alumnus of Sankar Polytechnic College, Sankar Nagar, Tirunelveli. Nedunalvaadai is the crowd funded Tamil Film. It's been jointly produced by 50 of his college mates joined together to fund and produce this movie. It all started when one of Selvakannan's friends came to know that the latter is struggling to get a producer for his directorial venture. He connected all the classmates through WhatsApp group and finally the film happened. [3] “The first guy through the wall always gets bloody,” says director Selvakannan. Having worked as an assistant to filmmakers Rajesh Selva, Saamy and Gandhi Krishna, Selvakannan decided to take the plunge into direction sometime in 2014. However, none of the producers he met was willing to fund the project. “It’s difficult to convince producers with a slightly offbeat film. Had it not been a Karthik Subbaraj, I don’t think producers would’ve encouraged short filmmakers,” he says.[1]

While the film mostly stars newcomers, Selva has roped in Kaviperarasu Vairamuthu to pen the lyrics. "Vairamuthu sir and editor Kasi Viswanathan are the only two celebrities in the film," he laughs, "I've assisted Vairamuthu sir in his office and have known him for a long time. He didn't charge us a penny for writing the lyrics. One of the songs he has written for us – Karuvatheva Un Kannellam Kanneera – will be a highlight; he was inspired by his own grandfather while penning it". Theater personality Poo Ramu, who got critical acclaim for his performance in Poo, will be seen as the central character of an aged farmer.[4]

Director Selvakannan decided to make Nedunalvaadai, his sole focus was on narrating an impactful story, which will win the appreciation of critics and audience alike. The director says, "There have been many films in the industry that spoke at length about the relationship between a mother and her child and a father and his child. But, not many have delved into the bond a grandchild shares with his/her grandparents. My film revolves around a 70-year-old man (played by Poo Ramu) and his grandson."[4]

Any well-made film, which has a native subject is lapped up by Tamil audiences, Kizhakku Cheemayile, Thenmerku Paruvakaatru to name a few. Nedunalvaadai is one such intense story based on people who still live in Tirunelveli. Ramu has lived in the character of a 70-year-old innocent farmer. Mime Gopi character has shades of grey, Senthikumari are in the supporting cast and several newcomers cast in the film.[5][2]

The film is set against the backdrop of Tirunelveli. The shooting of the film took place around the village surrounding Vasudevanallur and the town Puliangudi. Selvakannan says,"It's been more than 17 years since we all studied together in Tirunelveli, but we make it a point to meet every year. We've always wanted to do something to make our polytechnic college proud. So, we decided to make a film on human emotions and showcase our town in a new light. Though many films have been based in Tirunelveli, we felt none portrayed its true essence. So, my friends funded this venture. This is a festival film and I'm hopeful of it bagging a National Award".[4]

The confidence Selvakannan has in his debut directorial venture reflects in his voice when he talks “There have been many action films that were set in Tirunelveli, but I don’t think any Tamil film has explored its nativity and way of life. My film is based in Tirunelveli and I’ve shot it entirely there. Since I’m also from that place, it became easier for me”.[2]

What's interesting about the film is that it tells the story from a female perspective, which is a rarity in Tamil cinema. Echoing the same, Selvakannan says that the female character is central theme of the film. Through his film, Selvakannan wanted to question the representation of women in mainstream cinema, “People howl and whistle to scenes that are deeply sexist. It’s easy for men to express their emotions post break-up. But a woman has to go through a lot, internally. These are some of the things I looked into before writing.” Smaller films continue to bear the brunt when it comes to the availability of screens. However, Selvakannan believes that the scenario today is much better than what it was when he started out. “There’s an acceptance for a film like Merku Thodarchi Malai, which is very encouraging for filmmakers like me.”[1]

Selvakannan says, "The movie deals with two issues. Unlike male offspring who has the right to inherit property, the daughters in the family are not given equal rights and recognition. Secondly, the women are always portrayed in a bad manner and blamed for love failures. It is not so. I have reasoned out their side of reality in the film".[3]

Kasi Viswanathan has handled the editing. Selvakannan approached him for maintaining the required unity of form, rhythm and brooding quality that enhanced the director's vision to fashion a realistic film. “I was clear that my film would not have elements that are not related to the story. So, I was keen to get Kasi Viswanathan on board because I loved the kind of editing he’s done in films like Thenmerku Paruvakaatru and Dharma Durai (2016 film)”.[2] The director recognized the importance of sound and he wanted it to be livelier and realistic. He met the sound designer Pratap who worked in most popular films like Visaranai, Kaala, Vada Chennai and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam and many others. The sound mixer A. M. Rahamathullah is also on board who worked in most popular films like Jigarthanda, Soodhu Kavvum, Irudhi Suttru, Premam, Aval and many others.