Recently, actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph announced his production Basil Joseph Entertainment, under which a new project was set to be announced. Basil is jointly backing the film with Dr. Ananthu S, founder of Xylem Learning, and filmmaker Sameer Thahir.
The project was revealed on Saturday as 'Athiradi', the directorial debut of Arun Anirudhan, co-writer of Minnal Murali and Padayottam. Arun penned the script with Paulson Skaria (Kaathal: The Core, Neymar).
Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, and Vineeth Sreenivasan featured in the title teaser released by the team. The promo is centered on Vineeth, seemingly reeling from the after effects of a bashing from a mysterious character. We are then introduced to the characters played by Tovino and Basil, revealed to be unique personalities who may or may not have something to do with the incident. One of them is described by Vineeth as "a wildfire", the other "a storm." Vineeth signs off the footage with Kamal Haasan's 'Aarambikalangala' line from Lokesh Kanagaraj's blockbuster Vikram.
The team will commence official filming on Diwali. The promo, shot by Manu Swaraj of Padakkalam fame, is intended to introduce viewers to give a taste of the film's world. Arun tells THE WEEK that Athiradi is a "fun, action-packed" entertainer with some surprises that will be unveiled in due time. "The film will do justice to its title," he adds. Arun also shares all three stars are playing the leads, will be sharing the screen, and are not present in a cameo capacity.
Athiradi will have music by Vishnu Vijay (Thallumaala, Premalu). Samuel Henry is director of photography. Chaman Chakko (Lokah, RDX) handles editing duties.
The teaming up of Basil and Tovino in front of the screen again has, naturally, cranked up the excitement factor since both are known for their fun off-screen "rivalry" in the form of hilarious jibes in interviews and on social media. Basil has directed Tovino twice, in Godha and Minnal Murali, and worked together as actors in films such as Dear Friend and Ajayante Randam Moshanam.
