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Picture perfect

Malaysia is Kollywood’s new location, reports S. R. Ashok Kumar

Kuala Lumpur Calling Films being shot in Malaysia include the Ajit-starrer “Billa” and the Prabhu-starrer “Vegam”

Charming landscape, beautiful beaches, ritzy buildings, gleaming towers and hassle-free traffic…now you know why most Kollywood producers gush about Malaysia.

Yes, Kuala Lumpur is calling. And film makers are responding. About half-a-dozen Tamil film production units spent the month of May in Malaysia. Some haven’t returned yet. With films getting slicker and visuals becoming an important part of the package, film makers are not afraid to venture to foreign shores to freeze their frames.

“Today’s script demands posh locations. See where the urban young study, work or hang-out. The places have to be appealing,” says a producer. Getting into the logistics, another film maker explains, “You can cut costs. You can complete work with a 20-member crew abroad.” Talking about comfort levels, a production assistant says, “Malaysia is closer home, not just in terms of distance, but also with regard to the cultural milieu.”

Talk about locations, and a majority say they usually go beyond capital Kuala Lumpur and explore the scenic coast and the smaller, picture-perfect islands such as Langkawi. Penang and Malacca – places crammed with history and culture – are also hot destinations. And it’s not just the songs that are shot there. There are film makers like Vishnuvardan (of Arindhum Ariyamalum and Pattiyal fame) who plan to complete the entire film in Malaysia and d o only post-production work at home. The director is at present shooting in the island nation for the Ajit-Namita starrer Billa that’s being produced by L. Suresh’s Ananda Pictures.

Other films include Radaan’s new venture Kannambuchi Aenada, directed by Priya V. The film has Sathyaraj, Radhika, Prithviraj and Kaadhal Sandhya in the lead. Vegam directed by K. R. Udyas hankar too is shot against the picturesque backdrop of Malaysia. The film has Ashwin Sekhar, Archana, S. Ve Sekhar, Sreeman, Prabhu and Kushboo in the lead. Director Dinesh Kumar’s 1977 with Sarath Kumar, Radha Ravi and new find Parzana and director Raja’s Manjal Veyil with Prasanna and Kaadhal Sandhya also figure on the Malaysia list.

Discussing Tamil tinseldom’s growing fascination for Malaysia, Rosli Ismail, Consul General, Consulate General of Malaysia in Chennai, says, “Malaysia is a paradise. You can get a variety of locations there. We also offer the necessary help to go ahead with film shooting in a peaceful manner. If one devotes sufficient time, the required permission is given to film units. In the beginning of the year we conducted a road show to showcase the country’s richness to the producers and directors in the city. That has worked, we are reaping the benefits now. But we expect more to come.”

So the next time you see our stars prancing about the Petronas, you know it’s part of Kollywood’s Malaysian romance. Ready for it la?

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Malaysia seems to be a favourite destination for Kollywood stars. Every other star has been to the island for a film shoot, awards function or a stage show. Says actor ‘Jithan’ Ramesh, whose recent release “Madurai Veeran” was partly shot in Malaysia, “It’s such a beautiful country. It’s so clean. You can get a panoramic view of the place in two songs in the film. During breaks, I used to visit some tourist spots and indulge in shopping. Had a great time.”

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