Prabhu solomon finally finds his hero

Director Prabhu Solomon, who hit the bull’s eye at the box-office with Mynaa, which went on to bag the national award, has finally found his ‘Mr. Right’ for his next, untitled flick. This one will be produced by Lingusamy’s home banner.

Prabhu is all set to launch his new film, said to be a wild, romantic flick with elephants as the backdrop.

The filmmaker, who believes that his movies should be script-driven rather than star-propelled, was looking for an actor who would fit the lead character of an elephant mahout.

After extensive research on elephants, done while traveling more than 3000km in deep forests, he was very fastidious about choosing the male lead, although sources say that some of the best-known actors of K’wood were willing to act under his direction even without remuneration.

It was Vikram, son of veteran actor Prabhu, from the late thespian Sivaji Ganesan’s family, who hit the jackpot. Incidentally, Solomon came across Vikram’s portfolio through a common friend. Reportedly, he was impressed with his appearance at first sight.

Prabhu Solomon confirmed the news and spoke exclusively to DC. “When I saw Vikram,” he explained, “I knew the actor was the right choice for my character. I am still working on his appearance. He will be sporting a beard and moustache for that tough, rugged look. I have selected a trained elephant named Mahadevan from Ottapalam and Vikram will be given full-fledged preparations from those who train Kumki elephants. He has also been asked to polish his gymnastic skills,” Solomon went on.

A new girl, Lakshmi Menon from Kerala, will play the female lead. Solomon says that this is his pet project.

“People perceive elephants as fearsome animals. We often read in newspapers that elephants come out from forests to villages and destroy crops. But no one really understands that deforestation and building concrete jungles leads to such situations. You may recall the recent landmark judgment of the High Court about the protection of Elephant corridors in the Nilgiris. The order suggested halting construction of any form, whether resorts or anything else. My script will be on similar lines, against the backdrop of a wild love story.”

He continued, “While Mynaa had a lush green milieu, I am starting my shooting in September in Arakku Valley, which has red soil and the entire terrain will shine with beautiful yellow flowers in bloom.

Part of the film will also be shot in Ottapalam, Jog Falls and Chang Mai in Thailand, famous for elephants. Needless to say, a bound volume of the script has been sent to the Animal Welfare Board and proper permission sought from them.

“We will also have the services of veterinary doctors throughout the shooting,” he concludes.

Speaking to this newspaper from Hyderabad where he is shooting for M. S. Raju’s Tollywood flick, actor Prabhu said, “I am really happy that my son is being launched with a spirited young team like Solomon, Lingusamy etc. It is a mind-blowing script and the perfect launch pad for my son.”