Pookie actors Ajay Dhishan, RK Dhanusha: This film is not just for Gen-Z audience | EXCLUSIVE

Pookie is an upcoming Tamil film which is slated for release just ahead of Valentine’s Day. Starring Ajay Dhishan and RK Dhanusha in the lead roles, the film is backed by Vijay Antony, who has also scored and edited the romantic drama. Ajay Dhishan and RK Dhanusha join OTTplay to discuss about their upcoming outing which will release on February 13.

What does Ajay Dhishan have to say about the film?

Ajay Dhishan, nephew of Vijay Antony, had made his debut playing a prominent role in the latter’s crime drama film Maargan. The film had hit theatres last year, in which Ajay Dhishan played a mysterious character endowed with strong memory power that will help crack a serial killer case.

“I had not wanted to debut in the conventional way and always had affliction towards negative characters. Even Vijay Antony sir had debuted in Naan with a negative shade. I am not saying villain, but having some grey shades. I am still grateful for that opportunity in Maargan and it was very well received. Many films come and go, but I am glad that it resonated with audience both in Tamil and Telugu,” says Ajay.

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Now turning 180-degree turn, his second outing Pookie is a romantic drama that caters to youngsters. He says it was not a conscious decision to have a start genre change, but another good script that landed on his lap. He adds, “Except for my debut, I did not have any arc that I was choosy about. Any genre or story that engages me, I am ready to do and that is the bar I have set for myself too. So Pookie was unconscious decision, but when it came to me, I was invested in it.”

Ajay Dhishan says that after Love Today, the boom for romantic comedies have increased and the bar has been set already. “There is a pulling factor for rom-coms after Love Today. Everyone began to do it. But Pookie is not your typical rom-com. The film starts with a break-up and it wasn’t just an entertainer but also has some political touch to it, on societal level, subtly. There is some food for thought and had some depth, rather than being just an entertainer,” Ajay Dhishan mentions. He also adds that there is more of comedy than romance in Pookie, something he found very difficult to pull off.

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Given now films are being shaped to cater to Gen-Z youngsters, and the title Pookie itself being the lingo of today’s generation, Ajay Dhishan says that emotions have remained the same across time. “Love is love, even as the ways it is shown might be different. The film will be a learning curve for everyone and it is not just for Gen-Z,” he adds.

Ajay Dhishan’s both Maargan and Pookie, have been bankrolled by Vijay Antony. While having a familiarity sounds a little closer to home, asked if he had thought how, it would be when he begins to work for producers outside, Ajay Dhishan recalls joining Vijay Antony’s production since Pichaikkaran 2, “I had worked as assistant director and took part in production department. It has been my comfort space for about six years. But I cannot expect the same in a new production. Having said that, the experience I take from here will help in my learning curve. I am eagerly waiting for that.”

Ajay Dhishan will be next starring alongside Vijay Antony in Nooru Samy, directed by Sasi. The film will hit theatres on May 1. “Just like how Pichaikkaran had a mother sentiment, there will be similar emotion in this film too, but in a different way. It is thought-provoking and need for the time,” he signs off.

RK Dhanusha: Pookie is everything about what youngsters should not do after a break-up

RK Dhanusha, who appeared in small role in Love Marriage, will play her debut lead role in Pookie. A Coimbatore native, Dhanusha recalls how she received a message from the production, offering the role. After auditioning, Dhanusha came onboard Pookie.

As she mentions her favourite rom-com is Thiruchitrambalam, the young actor talks about her upcoming flick, “Pookie has equal scope for both of the leads. With the film starting after a break-up, it talks about the aftermath of it, how both of them deal with it. I had more scope to perform in Pookie. The film is everything about what youngsters should not do after a break-up,” she adds. Dhanusha says that Pookie will cater to across generations, and not just Gen-Z.

Pookie FAQs

Q. What is Pookie OTT partner?

A. ZEE5 has bagged the rights of Pookie. The film will available via OTTplay Premium as well.

Q. What is Pookie release date?

A. Pookie is set to release on February 13.