The first look posters of Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal, the upcoming Tamil feature film, written and directed by debutant filmmaker Vishal Venkat, were released by actor Dhanush on Friday.
The film, produced by AR Entertainment in association with Trident Arts, features actors Ashok Selvan, Nasser, KS Ravikumar, Riythvika, Manikandan and Banupriya among others in pivotal roles.
Speaking to Silverscreen India, Vishal, who has earlier assisted directors K Chandru and Madhumita and has a background in television, said, “It is more of a character-driven story.” In the hyperlink film, set over couple of days, the lives of four people from different social backgrounds intersect during an incident.
“When they are thrown into an incident, they are connected by it. It is a story of hope and how the incident changes each one of them.”
Calling Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal a “slice-of- life film” with a philosophical ring to it, Vishal said he began working on the script in 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I was doing a lot of short commercials as a director. Then, I wanted to make a short film, but the script developed into a feature-length one,” he added.
After working on the script, Vishal paired up with his college senior and dialogue writer of the film, Manikandan. “I met Ashok (Selvan) and he liked the script. The production also helped me cast a few people. I can’t reveal much, but all the characters in the film are simple and people you would see on a daily basis, like a neighbour or friend,” Vishal said.
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Shooting for Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal began in January with a few breaks in between. Shooting resumed in July and is currently in the final stages of production. Vishal noted, “Our primary focus is to finish the project first before we decide on what mode of release we will be opting for. Personally, I don’t mind the platform it goes to, be it TV, OTT, or theatres. Theatres are, of course, an ultimate dream. But I like to make content, and I am fine with any choice, given the scenario.”
The film, features 4-5 songs, all composed by Radhan. The composing works are about to be completed, after which the recording process will begin.
According to Vishal, the film primarily caters to the family audience and people in their 20s as they would connect more with the story.