'Miruthan' will be India's first man vs nature film, says Jayam Ravi

Jayam Ravi is excited about Miruthan being his first release for 2016. The actor, who had several hits in 2015, is looking to continue the trend with this zombie thriller film which is releasing on February 19. In an exclusive chat with dna, Jayam Ravi talks about the film in which he plays a traffic cop, his co-star and more.

Why a zombie film?

It's a new genre for Tamil cinema. The Tamil audience likes and accepts new concepts and I thought why not give them something new. I hope they like this movie as well. Having said that this is not a full-fledged zombie film. It will have the commercial elements of Tamil cinema.

How did you team up with director Shakti Soundar Rajan?

I think Shakti Soundar Rajan is an underrated director. He understand genres very well and this is evident when you see his film Naaigal Jaakirathai. Naaigal Jaakirathai was about the relationship between a dog and a human being. I was keen to do with a film with him and that's how Miruthan happened. I have worked with new directors in both Bhoologam and Romeo Juliet and those movies were hits.

So what is Miruthan about?

We have seen a lot of man versus nature films in Hollywood. I think this movie is India's first man versus nature film. It will show how man messes with nature and it eventually gets back at him.

Watch the Miruthan trailer here:

It looks like 50 make-up artistes were used for the film.

Yes, we have 50 make-up artistes putting make-up on 500 junior artists for the film. So, for a 9 am shot, they used to start working at midnight to complete their make-up. At one point at Binny Mills we had 500 junior artists, 50 make-up artistes and 200 stunt guys for a period of two weeks.

Is there a Michael Jackson Thriller-like song in the movie?

No, but there is this song called 'Veri Veri' which comes as montage piece. That's really interesting. There's no promotional song.

Your co-star Lakshmi Menon is considered a 'lucky' actress.

That's what they say but I tell all my co-star actresses that I am lucky for them. (Laughs)

How was it working with her?

She is one actress who chooses films based solely on her character or role. She doesn't get swayed by other factors. I think that's the USP of her success. She is also very focused and gives 100% in front of the camera.