Vijay Sethupathi starrer 2013 sleeper hit film Idharkuthane Asaipattai Balakumara has achieved somewhat of a cult status in Tamil popular culture. ‘Solli vai. Return of the dragon nu sollivai’, ‘Love naale fresh ji’, to ‘Kumudha happy annachi’, ‘Friendu love matteru feel ayitapala’ many of the film’s lines have turned into meme material.
For a while now there’s been buzz about the Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara team coming together for a new project. The official announcement is now here from director Gokul.
His next film produced by K Sathish, on behalf of CinemaWala Pictures, is titled Corona Kumar. Director Gokul, who is also known for films like Rowthiram, Kashmora and Junga, says he was looking to develop an idea with the characters of his immensely successful film Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara when suddenly, the lockdown was announced.
Gokul adds, “During the lockdown, we had to maintain social distancing and wear masks. We keep coming across instances where people are quarantined. All of this creates a sense of anxiety in us. It is true that the Corona virus is contagious. But then, this virus, which is invisible to the human eye, has made some of us to have a misplaced understanding of it which in turn has resulted in undesirable behaviour. Fearing it, we cannot compromise our human nature. We are looking to reinforce all these ideas in a humorous manner in our film.” The film will reportedly have some good social messaging as well. The first one too was about the ill-effects of too much alcohol, told in a refreshingly non-preachy, hilarious manner.
Corona Kumar will be a spin-off of the original, and the story will take place during a lockdown to contain Corona. “It is only during this pandemic that many of us have begun to realise the importance of the love and affection that we show to family members, friends and society. This virus has brought a significant change in our lives. Corona Kumar’s story will highlight these facets in a hilarious and sensible way,” according to the makers.
Currently, director Gokul is directing the Tamil remake of the Malayalam hit film Helen. Upon its completion he will direct the full length, funny, family entertainer Corona Kumar. The cast and crew of the film will be announced soon.
Sources say the team will start shoot on the film immediately once the lockdown ends and government grants permission to resume shooting.
