`Stalin' leads by example
M.L. NARASIMHAM
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Murugadoss's `Stalin' is an entertainer that promises to give some food for thought.
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FLAVOUR OF THE SEASON Trisha and Chiranjeevi in a still from `Stalin.'
Planning a film inspired by a large turnout of people? Sounds interesting. When young Tamil filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss (who directed Gazini) saw the frenzied, huge crowd that gathered to have a glimpse of their matinee idol at a function to mark the 100-day celebration of their idol's film, he was stunned. What a turnout, he wondered. That triggered a movie idea and he found himself directing the same actor in Anjana Productions, Stalin, produced by K. Nagendra Babu with B. Madhu.
Taking on the goons
At the Abu Palace Hotel, Chennai, the director was shooting some key scenes involving Chiranjeevi and other actors. Chiranjeevi was seen escorting veteran Sarada and actress Khushboo to the lift and returns to challenge a few goons, all henchmen of the villain (Prakash Raj). Murugadoss had a word with the stunt master Kanal Kannan before returning to the monitor. As Chota K. Naidu's camera whirred from the crane, Chiranjeevi thrashed the rowdies one after the other.
"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country, is a popular quote. When packaged with entertainment and narrated through a popular actor like Chiranjeevi, it will have significant influence on people," feels the director. He then talks about the scene he was shooting. "Stalin sends his mother (Sarada) and elder sister (Khushboo) safely in a lift to another floor before he takes on the villain's gang. The hero works for bettering the society. Sarada plays a typical, concerned mother while Khushboo is his elder sister. Trisha plays a college student and Sunil is the hero's friend. Pradeep Rawat is Prakash Raj's alley," smiles Murugadoss.
Personally, Murugadoss prefers films shot on shoestring budgets. "Since this canvas is large, it is a high budget film. It is a pleasant experience working with Chiranjeevi. For the first two days, I was nervous directing him. He then made me feel comfortable. He is friendly, down to earth and cooperative." There is a Kargil backdrop to the story and the sequences were shot in Nasik. "But the emphasis is on creating social awareness on various burning issues. I believe that creating an awareness is possible only when told by an actor of Chiranjeevi's calibre."
This is Murugadoss's fourth film but his first with composer Mani Sharma. "He has given excellent music and the record sale of cassettes says it all. Of the six songs, we have filmed two in Italy. The climax song is a highlight. It is forceful and patriotic. Add to that the punchy and witty dialogues penned by Paruchuri Brothers."
At the audio launch, Chiranjeevi said about the director: "He has sculpted the movie in such a way that it is not only entertaining but also purposeful"
Meanwhile, at the location, we catch a few glimpses of the film on the monitor . The film will soon be complete and will be released on September 20.
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