Valmiki Tamil Movie

Akhil, who impressed viewers with his performance in "Kalloori" plays the lead character Poonakkan Pandi in "Valmiki"

The film is produced by P. Sreenivasan for Vikatan Talkies. G. Ananthanarayanan, who worked as an assistant to director Shankar, makes his debut as director with this film. He was a student of the Film Institute.

Playing opposite Akhil is Meera Nandan, a newcomer to Kollywood. She has acted in the Malayalam film "Mulla". In "Valmiki", she plays a deglamorised role. She is named Vandana and runs a crèche for kids.

After Akhil and Meera, the third most important character is played by another newcomer Shruti Nair. She plays a flower vendor and her dreams remain dreams.

Why the film is titled "Valmiki"? Just as Sage Valmiki contributed the Ramayana to society, the protagonist, Poonakkan Pandi, sacrifices his all for the good of society. The film focuses on his contributions. It also takes a closer look at fundamental human rights.

According to the director, the film has no fights. In fact, the film does not have a villain. However, it is a commercial film with a mixture of action, sentiments and romance. It will be made as realistic as possible, he says.

Akhil feels his role in the film is a challenging one and that it is totally different from the one in "Kalloori".

One important feature is Ilayaraja has agreed to score the music. But the recording of the songs will be done after Ilayaraja sees the full movie - post montage.

N. Alagappan is the cinematographer and V.T. Vijayan is the editor. Vaali has written the lyrics.

Chennai is where the entire film will be shot. It is expected to be ready for Deepavali.