Hoping a hit in Tamil too

  • IndiaGlitz, [Monday,July 05 2004]

Director Jayaraj is a name to reckon with in the Malayalam industry. A director well known for his classical movies like Deshadanam and Kaliyattam won the national award for the best direction, a few years ago, is all set to try his luck in Tamil.

His latest Malayalam hit 4 The People is being dubbed into Tamil as 4 Students and would released all over the State soon. Interestingly, the Malayalam version was a hit and the songs became a rage in Kerala. The song Lajjavathiyae was the best of the lot. Speaking about his film getting ready for release in Tamil, Jayaraj, who has so far directed over 20 films in Malayalam, says, 'for a long time I wanted to direct a Tamil film. Now my dream is getting realized with 4 Students. The movie is all about four young students, who fight against corruption in society. The movie has Boys -fame Bharath in the lead and acting opposite him is Autograph-fame Gopika.

'Though some people feel that it has a similar theme like Tamil film Ramana starring Vijayakanth, I would say the approach to the screenplay is totally different. A newcomer Jassie Gift's music was a big reason for the movie's success in Kerala, he says. Jassie Gift, a post-graduate in psychology had set a new trend in Malayalam film industry with his numbers in 4 The People.

Jayaraj says, 'actor Bharath, who played the lead in director Shankar's Boys has proved his mettle in the movie. His extraordinary dancing skills deserve a special mention. Gopika too has done justice to her role'. Cinematographer Rajashekar, who shot to fame cranking the camera for Khaakha Khaakha, says, 'I gave my best shooting for the movie. Especially, shooting Lajjavathiyae was a great experience. We shot the song for over 11 days. Also in the cast are actress Pranathi, who made her debut in Tamil opposite Sarath Kumar in Gambheeram and actress Thaarika.

Producer Johny Sagarika expressed hope that the Tamil version too would click.

The dialogues are being penned by Gokula Krishna.

The movie will be released by the end of July, says Johny Sagarika.