Known for soft romantic love stories, director Ezhil is now on a different track. The director is now experimenting with action and adventure.

Deepavali starring Jayam Ravi and Bhavana, directed by Ezhil and produced by directed Lingusamy, revolves around the life of a Chennai-based gangster.

Ezhil, whose earlier movies like Thullada Manamum Thullum and Poovellam Un Vaasam won him a good name, has come out with a pacy screenplay and quick narration of events in Deepavali.

A typical commercial entertainer, the film promises a lot of action with a romantic story woven in. Ravi plays Billu, the son of local bigwig Mudaliar (Vijay Kumar) who owns fishing boats and runs a call taxi service. Mudaliar's mission in life is to give refuge, and to reform all rowdies who want to turn over to a new leaf.

A major portion of the movie was shot in a huge set erected near Royapuram shore replicating Chennai slums. Also a song sequence was shot in Oman.

Lingusamy was all praise for Ezhil. "I was highly impressed with his screenplay in Thullada Manamum Thullum. I am confident that he will repeat his magic in Deepavali."

Thanking Lingusamy for the opportunity, Ezhil said, "The story was conceived almost a year ago. When I approached Editor Mohan, he referred me to Lingusamy. Today, Deepavali is ready and raring to go."

Special mention should be made of Yuvan Shankar Raja, whose tunes are really catchy.

"The entire unit was friendly and it was like a picnic working in the movie," says Ravi.

Bhavana, who is on a good run in Tamil, has enjoyed her role in Deepavali.

"Deepavali will be truly cracking," sums up the director.