Date:29/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/29/stories/2006032919020200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Historical comedy in the making

S.R. Ashok Kumar

A still from `Imsai Arasan Irubathi Moondram Pulikesi'.

It's been a long time since Tamil cinema came out with a historical film. Now, one is in the making. But, there's a twist. Imsai Arasan Irubathi Moondram Pulikesi is touted as a historical comedy, with Vadivel in the lead role.

The movie, produced by director Shankar's S film, is Simbudevan's directorial debut. The cast includes Monica, Tejashri and Nasser.

The film, which promises to be a full-fledged comedy, draws its inspiration from a cartoon created by Simbudevan, which appeared two years ago in Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan. The director has been working as Cheran's associate for nearly five years. He says Shankar okayed the screenplay as soon as he heard it. "If it weren't for him, the film would not have been made at all. Art director Krishnamoorthy and cameraman Arthur Wilson have worked meticulously. Eleven sets have been created."

The Sabesh-Murali duo has composed the music, comprising tunes of songs from yesteryear.