Earlier, director Samy of Uyir, Mirugam, Sindhu Samaveli, and Kangaroo fame had obtained the official Tamil remake rights of the 1997 Iranian family drama Children Of Heaven written and directed by filmmaker Majid Majidi. The film titled Akka Kuruvi comprises newcomers and is being bankrolled by the director along with his friends under the Madurai Muthu Movies and Dream Factory banners. The latest is that the film will have music and background score by composer-singer maestro Ilaiyaraaja.
Speaking about the composer’s arrival on board, director Samy said, “I had approached him to compose for the film and he asked me to bring the output altogether. After I completed the shooting, I screened the film for him and he instantly agreed to work on it. He has also begun the re-recording process now.”
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Children Of Heaven is about a brother and sister and their adventures over a lost pair of shoes. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1998. The film has since been considered a classic.
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Speaking about taking up the film, director Samy said, “The films I’ve done so far do not define who I am. I am going to make such films only hereafter and I’d like to begin with this one. Once my sister had visited me and we decided to watch Children Of Heaven with my kids. That’s when we witnessed how they enjoyed the film thoroughly and wondered why such films haven’t been made in India. I decided to take it upon myself and do this film down south.”
He adds, “I had decided to retain the time period, the 80s, in which the story takes place in the original and scouted locations accordingly. I finally landed on Poombarai in Kodaikanal. The houses in this village are more than 500 years old. I felt it would suit the tone and mood of the film and shot the film entirely in this village.”
The film is being made in Tamil and Telugu with debutants Mahin and Daaviya reprising the roles of the 11-year-old brother and 7-year-old sister. Their selection took place after the screening of more than 200 child artistes. Tara Jagadamba, a classical dancer, will essay the role of the mother and Senthilkumar will play the role of the father. (A pair of shoes have also landed a significant role in the film.)
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The audio launch of Akka Kuruvi will be held next month. The makers are planning to invite the director of the original, Majid Majidi, for the occasion.
Watch the trailer of Children Of Heaven here: