Reclaiming Wonder: Avinash Prakash on Shedding the Adult Lens

Reclaiming Wonder: Avinash Prakash on Shedding the Adult Lens

25 days ago | 5 Views

In an era where Tamil cinema has been highlighting family dramas infused with elements of dysfunction, as seen in films like Koogle Kuttappa, Kudumbasthan, and Thiruchitrambalam, the forthcoming Tamil movie Naangal will explore a similar narrative. This film revolves around three children navigating their emotional turmoil while confronting their parents' dysfunction. Directed by newcomer Avinash Prakash, Naangal is scheduled for theatrical release on April 18.

Produced by GVS Raju under the Kala Bhavashri Creations label, Naangal has garnered recognition at various international film festivals. The film fundamentally examines the lives of three children raised by a strict father who is battling his own inner struggles.

Naangal director Avinash Prakash interview

In an interview, director Avinash Prakash shared insights about the film, stating, “The inspiration for every story I create stems from real-life experiences. I have observed the complexities of parent-child relationships; as a child, any negative experience feels overwhelming. I am intrigued by how children cope with broken families and the impact it has on their lives. I have faced situations that were difficult to understand, and everyone has their own perspective. While many may have opinions, it is ultimately the child's viewpoint that matters. The experiences of childhood leave a lasting imprint throughout one’s life.”

Avinash further elaborated on how Naangal will present the viewpoints of both children and adults. “I found it captivating to explore how childhood significantly influences our development. I aimed to delve into the theme of dysfunctionality and how these individuals are compelled to coexist in challenging circumstances.”

Naangal cast and crew

The cast of Naangal features Mithun V, Rithik M, and Nithin D portraying the three children, while their parents are played by Abdul Rafe and Prarthana S. Additionally, a dog named Roxy has a significant role in the film, which the director commends highly. "My primary focus was to cast the children who are present throughout the film. I believe all three are making their debut, along with others. I discovered them all on the first day. For the father’s role, I had only one option, which was my friend Abdul, a practicing doctor with aspirations of acting. The mother’s character is quite complex. Although her role may seem minor, it is crucial that she embodies the innocence reminiscent of our own mothers."

Avinash, who previously created a film that participated in the festival circuit, mentions that they did not initially aim for that route. "There was a story I was eager to tell. We never considered the festival aspect, and it was not a certainty. My first priority was to complete the film, and the second was to ensure its quality. Once we finished and everyone agreed it was a good film, we then thought about submitting it to a few festivals for consideration."

The filmmaker further explains that while he draws inspiration from global cinema, the essence of his film remains deeply rooted in local culture. "I am someone who has grown up watching Indian cinema, and I have a deep appreciation for it. Therefore, when I created this film, I included an interval, even during festival screenings. There is an intermission card, and I approached it as a mainstream film. However, I wrote it with genuine sincerity, not from an adult's perspective, but rather through the eyes of children, considering their complexities," he concludes.

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