At the beginning of this year, Tamil cinema experienced its initial triumph with Madha Gaja Raja, a film that had been in limbo for a decade and unexpectedly emerged as the first commercial blockbuster of 2025. In a similar vein, the comedy film Sumo, which has been in development for several years, is scheduled for release this week on April 25. Featuring actors Shiva, Priya Anand, Yoshinori Tashiro, among others, and directed by SP Hosimin, the film's premise revolves around a sumo wrestler who washes ashore in Chennai and forms a bond with a local individual. 'I conceived this idea approximately 15 years ago, aiming to create a narrative appealing to children. In advertisements, the appearance of a sumo wrestler piques children's curiosity and interest. I sought to leverage that fascination. I envisioned the scenario of a sumo arriving here, akin to a fairytale,' states Hosimin, who previously directed Aayiram Vilakku and February 14.

Sumo director SP Hosimin Interview: I wanted a specific wrestler who practises sumo but has a baby face

In the production of Sumo, the creators have enlisted the talents of Yoshinori Tashiro, a retired sumo wrestler from Japan. Regarding the decision to cast him, Hosimin mentioned that the film will be set in both Japan and India, emphasizing the necessity of casting a genuine wrestler for the role. He stated, 'We have not previously produced films featuring sumo wrestlers here. I sought a specific wrestler who practices sumo and possesses a youthful appearance. Initially, I presented the story to VTV Ganesh, followed by Ishari Ganesh of Vels Film International, who endorsed the project.' The film is being shot by the renowned filmmaker and cinematographer Rajiv Menon. When asked about collaborating with him, Hosimin remarked, 'Once we decided to create the film on a global scale, we required someone capable of achieving that level of quality for us. He agreed to join the project after we shared the story and the connection between Japan and India. We filmed at Mt. Fuji, making us one of the very few Indian films to be shot there, if not the only one.'

‘We will release Sumo in Japan’

Although Tamil films such as Muthu have previously been successful in Japan, it has been some time since a Tamil film was released in the Asian nation. The producers have decided to premiere Sumo in Japan. While it will not be released simultaneously, the comedy film is expected to arrive in Japan approximately 10 to 15 days after its release in India. The director emphasizes that Sumo is designed for children, stating that it contains no double entendre or adult humor, making it ideal for a summer release. Additionally, Hosimin notes that the film aims to teach children the importance of helping others. In conclusion, Hosimin describes Sumo as a comedic film that also incorporates motivational themes and elements of sports. He acknowledges Shiva's significant contributions to the film's production and expresses a collaborative spirit, stating that he aimed to avoid any ego clashes between them to ensure the film's success.

Read Also: Jaideep Ahlawat Reveals On-Set Chaos with Saif Ali Khan: ‘It Got Physical’

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!