Ulagammai: Gouri Kishan to feature in a period drama

The trend of Tamil movies being adapted from books is currently on a rise. Some of the popular movies like Dhanush-starrer Asuran and the upcoming Vaadivasal starring Suriya were adapted from Tamil literary novels. They also share a common ground, where they are set in a rural background. Similarly, the upcoming movie, titled Ulagammai, starring Gouri Kishan (of 96’ and Karnan fame) also carries a similar setting. It is a female-centric movie where Gouri will be seen as the protagonist.

Based on the novel Oru Kottuku Veliye (Beyond a Line) written by Su. Samuthiram, the movie will deal with the issue of caste discrimination. Vijay Prakash, the director of the film, had shed light from where he was inspired to take this project up. He said that the novel was part of a Tamil literature project during his college days and it was during that period he had decided to adapt the book into a movie. The project’s music will be composed by the legendary Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja.

Su. Samuthiram was a Tamil literary and a prolific writer who hailed from the district of Tirunelveli. Besides, Oru Kottuku Veliye, he had written many novels on caste discrimination that reflected his socialistic beliefs.

His book, Oru Kottuku Veliye, which came out in the year 1977, had brought out various horrific incidents pertaining to caste factor. He advocated the unification of the proletarian (wage-earners) people in all the castes. A play based on this novel was also broadcast in the All-India-Radio.

Talking to Chennai Times, the director said, “Gouri will be seen in a different look in the film, and will speak in the Nellai slang.” He went on to add that Gouri’s character in the movie will be that of a fighter who faces issues on account of her caste. Vijay also said that the team had commenced the shooting of the project near Tirunelveli. Ulagammai will feature GM Sundar, Marimuthu and Arul Mani in supporting roles.