Nature and love

Anandhi and Chandran in Kayal.- Supplied photo

It is perhaps coincidental that director Prabhu Solomon’s new film Kayal arrives in theatres in the same week that two disasters struck Tamil Nadu in two different time periods.

The first in 1964, exactly 50 years ago, was a cyclonic storm that led to the near annihilation of Dhanushkodi, once described as ‘Little Singapore’ and now a ‘ghost island.’ Hundreds of people died including over 100 people who were travelling in a train that was washed away by nature’s fury.

And then 10 years ago, the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami once again wreaked havoc across several nations including the coastal belt of Tamil Nadu, again leading to massive destruction and loss of lives.

This week, Prabhu Solomon, one of the most respected directors of our time, recreates how nature’s fury impacts people with his romantic saga Kayal.

As with his earlier films, Mynaa and Kumki, among others (though noted for these two films, he has about 10 films to his credit), Kayal also takes viewers through a landscape of visual brilliance. But even more powerful is the emotional core of his films; you cannot but leave the theatre hall without being affected by Prabhu’s movies.

Prabhu, once again, defies stardom by casting non-star talent for Kayal too. Remember that he is credited with giving a fresh lease of life to Amala Paul and Vidharth with Mynaa and introduced Vikram Prabhu (the son of actor Prabhu) in addition to elevating Lakshmi Menon as an actor of substance with Kumki.

For Kayal, he is bringing in two rather untested talents – Anandhi and Chandran. While Chandran is making his debut, Anandhi has already acted in a few Telugu films after being spotted at her dance performance.

A heart-wrenching romance, Kayal has Anandhi playing a village girl, who charms Chandran, a nomad. In their blossoming love, nature plays a critical part. Their romance is tested when nature unleashes its fury in the form of a tsunami.

The much-awaited film has chart-topper music by D. Imman, a regular of Prabhu Solomon with a mix of folk melody and endearing romantic duets. The costliest film made by Prabhu to date, one of the defining features of the movie is its background score. Prabhu said that to create the tsunami effect he employed the latest in visual and sound effects. Kayal is now playing at theatres in the UAE.