We’ve been talking of shootings being stalled in the lockdown, lives of people in the film industry being disturbed due to no work and eventually financial burdens, etc. On account of such problems, 12,000 members of FEFSI – Film Employees Federation of South India, would be benefitted from the income that rises from the proceeds of the much-awaited movie ‘Navarasa’.
Navarasa- as the name goes brings alive the nine emotions that a person experiences. The concept of this anthology of 9 stories is created by Mani Ratnam who will make his debut as a producer on OTT.
The 9 stories are directed by 9 talented directors who have made a mark for themselves in the industry. Let’s look at the nine stories, the emotions they will be showcasing, and the cast that will be in it.
1. Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru
Emotion: Love or Sringara Rasa
Everyone knew that actor Surya along with Gautham Menon was doing a story in the anthology and it has a title so poetic that only someone like Gautham Menon can come out with. There are no guesses with the genre there. Love is written all over it. Also, co-starring Malayalam star Prayaga Martin, who acted in ‘Pisaasu’. The music is by singer Karthik and the camera is handled by PC Sreeram.
2. Routhiram
Emotion: Anger or Roudra Rasa
‘Routhiram’ will mark Arvind Swamy’s debut as a director. The handsome hunk will be directing this story on anger. Starring Ramesh Thilak, Riythvika, and Sree Ram of ‘Pasanga’ fame. AR Rahman gives his tunes to this story.
3. Edhiri
Emotion: Sorrow or Karuna Rasa
‘David’ director Bejoy Nambiar makes this story on the emotion of sorrow. It has the incredible Vijay Sethupathi, the eclectic Prakash Raj along with the versatile Revathy and Ashok Selvan. It is going to be interesting to see Prakash Raj and Vijay Sethupathi in the same frame.
4. Payasam
Emotion: Disgust or Bhibatsa Rasa
Director Vasanth has not created much of a buzz after his “Moondru Per Moondru Kadal” although he did make a movie on social issues titled Sanath in 2016. It will be interesting to see him deal with an emotion such as disgust. He has cast veteran Delhi Ganesh, Rohini, and ‘Aruvi’ actress Aditi Balan. Remember the thrilling ‘Satham Podathey’, Vasasanth gave us an edge-of-the-seat thriller in that.
5. Inmai
Emotion: Fear or Bhayanaka Rasa
Siddarth and Malayalam star Parvathy will act in this story showcasing the emotion of fear. Directed by Rathindran R Prasad whose first project ‘Idhu Vedhalam Sollum Kathai’ is yet to see the light. Apparently, this story was shot first and shooting was completed in 6 days in Pondicherry!
6. Peace
Emotion: Peace or Shantha Rasa
Karthik Subbaraj directs fellow director Gautham Menon in this story along with Bobby Simha and Sananth.
7. Thunindha Pinn
Emotion: Courage or Veera Rasa
‘Thunindha Pinn’ is directed by Sarjun KM, who made the crime story ‘Echcharikai’ starring Sathyaraj and Kishore among others. We can expect a similar storyline going by the choice of emotion for this story which has Atharva, Anjali, and Kishore.
8. Summer of ‘92
Emotion: Laughter or Hasya Rasa
Reminded of Bryan Adams’ Summer of 69? Well, going by the title, we can expect a nostalgic or a period journey in this story which has laughter as the base. Senior director Priyadarshan who replaced director Ponram of ‘Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam’ helms this story with Yogi Babu in the lead. Remya Nambeesan, Nedumudi Venu and Manikuttan are the others in this humorous story.
9. Project Agni
Emotion: Wonder or Adbutha Rasa
Fresh talent Karthik Naren of ‘Dhruvangal Pathinaaru’ directs this story based on the emotion of wonder with Arvind Swami in the lead. Supporting cast include Prasanna and Poorna.
The top actors of the south, the top technicians like PC Sreeram, Santosh Sivan, Manoj Paramahamsa, etc. and musicians like Rahman, Imman, Ghibran, Govind Vasantha, etc and top of all under Mani Ratnam’s umbrella, you can expect a stellar effort from the team to come out with an exceptional project. ‘Navarasa’ is expected to release on August 6th!