Kamal Haasan begins shooting for ‘Sandiyar’; director Arun Kumar shares emotional note

Kamal Haasan's 'Sandiyar', directed by S U Arun Kumar, began filming on the actor's birthday. The director shared an emotional note about working with his mentor. The title revives the name originally chosen for Haasan's 2004 film 'Virumaandi'

Chennai: Actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan’s next film, ‘Sandiyar’, went on floors here on Friday, coinciding with the actor’s birthday. The film’s director, S U Arun Kumar, also penned an emotional note about getting the opportunity to direct the legendary actor.

Taking to social media, Raaj Kamal Films International, the production house behind the film, made the announcement: “6 ROUNDS, ZERO MERCY. Revenge does give satisfaction, but… Happy Birthday to our, SANDIYAR! SHOOT BEGINS TODAY. #KamalHaasan #SUArunkumar.”

---

Meanwhile, director S U Arun Kumar issued a statement in Tamil, which he shared on his social media accounts. He said that the influence of a great artist had always been present in all his works, knowingly or unknowingly.

Stating that these influences had continued to enrich him, the director said that he, who had so far tasted only a few drops of nectar, had now got the opportunity to float in a vast ocean.

“Yes, today I am standing hand in hand with that magnificent great artist Kamal Haasan,” he wrote.

Saying that he was happy not only because he was directing his esteemed mentor, who had chosen him as a director and given life to his story, Arun Kumar said he was also glad to have the opportunity to learn a great deal during the journey.

“Instead of just thanking my elder brother Mahendran, who helped me realise this dream, and my dear friend Disney, I want to sow seeds of confidence in them and assure them that my team and I will give our full attention and hard work to this film and present it as a fine film to film lovers,” he said.

The makers had announced the film’s title as ‘Sandiyar’ just a day earlier.

The choice of title has triggered excitement as it is the same name Kamal Haasan had originally chosen for his 2004 film ‘Virumaandi’.

The title had sparked a controversy in 2004, with certain groups objecting to its use and demanding that the actor change it. After much deliberation, Kamal Haasan had renamed the film ‘Virumaandi’.

Now, 22 years later, the actor has chosen to use the same title for his upcoming film with director S U Arun Kumar.

The film has an impressive technical team. Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music, while National Award-winning stunt choreographers Anbariv will handle the action sequences. Sunil KS is the cinematographer.

C S Balachander is in charge of production design, while Amritha Ram will design the costumes.

The film is being produced by Kamal Haasan and R Mahendran, with S Disney as co-producer.