What it was like to shoot Hostel; the cast and crew tell

Hostel, starring Ashok Selvan and Priya Bhavani Shankar in the lead roles, has hit the screen today. The makers had promised the film to be a fun ride set in a boy's hostel.

The film, which is the remake of the 2015 Malayalam film, Adi Kapyaare Kootamani, narrates the comedy of errors that happen after a girl (Priya Bhavani Shankar) enters the boy's hostel of her ex-boyfriend.

This horror comedy also stars Satish, Nasser, Munishkanth, and Ravi Mariah in prominent roles. Directed by Sumanth Radhakrishnan, the film has music by Bobo Sashi and cinematography by Praveen.

Here's what the the cast and crew of Hostel say about their film:

Director Sumanth Radhakrishnan: The film is made with lots of jolliness, and the audience will experience the same while watching the movie. I thank my producer Ravindran sir, IB Karthikeyan sir for introducing me to him. I thank my executive producer Murali Krishnan. Without his support, the movie would have not completed on time, and gear up for theatrical release. It’s a very simple and enjoyable movie. We have worked with heart and soul into the project. The entire star cast has supported a lot in making this movie an enjoyable experience. The technical team has been the pillar of this movie.

Actor Ashok Selvan: I thank producer Ravindran sir for making this project happen. Initially, I was reluctant to take up this project, but Sumanth had completely changed the script apart from picking up the gist from the original version. Priya is really doing a good job. She has become the finest actress for choosing the best roles. Nasser sir is like a family to me, and it was great to work with him. Munishkanth, Ravi Mariah sir, Aranthaangi Nisha and others have equally done a commendable job. As Ravi Mariah sir said, Comedy is serious business. We have tried making it wholeheartedly.

Actor Ravi Mariah: When they initially invited me to be a part of Hostel, I was excited to relive my 3 years of hostel days. However, my hopes were dashed, when the director told me that I have to play Priya Bhavani Shankar’s father. However, I was completely exhilarated to be sharing screen with a talented actress like Priya. Director is talented as he hasn’t just remade the original version, but has adapted it. He has very well sketched the characterizations. Ashok Selvan has done a commendable job. He is so humble and down-to-earth. Comedy is the antidepressant for everyone in today’s situation, and I request everyone to give value towards it.

Actor Sathish: This is an out and out fun-filled movie. Ashok Selvan is attempting a new genre with every movie. It’s nice to see him consistently working on many projects. Priya Bhavani Shankar has become my close friend after working in this movie. Sumanth is a producer-friendly director. He has done a great job by shooting the entire movie within a single premise of the hostel backdrop in an engrossing manner. Ravi sir has given complete freedom in letting us complete this project with good output. Krish is a low-budget Prabhas, and has done a good job.

Actress Priya Bhavani Shankar: I am so happy to be associated with such a good team. Ashok Selvan, Sathish and others have been wonderful co-stars. It was an effortless process of shooting the movie. Tons of thanks to producer Ravindran sir for making it smooth. It was really good to be filmed by cinematographer Praveen sir. Bobo Sashi has given beautiful songs. It has been a great experience working with Nasser sir. I got only a few scenes to be shot in this movie, but am working with him on a couple of new projects. I thank the director for bringing us together. Hostel will be a delightful experience for the audiences in the theatres. I congratulate Sathish for a good lineup of movies.

Actor Krish Kumar: I thank Sumanth for having given me an opportunity. We started shooting this movie in 2021 before the culture of OTT commenced. Despite the OTT offers, I thank my producer Ravi sir for refraining from such a scenario and getting it released in theatres first. Being a newcomer, I thank Suman sir and Ravi sir for making me a part of this project that has big actors like Ashok Selvan, Priya Bhavani Shankar and others.

Cinematographer Praveen Kumar: Thanks to the art director Durai sir for letting me work with freedom. Since the artwork was really good, it was easy for me to shoot from various angles. Ashok sir had adapted new mannerisms, which are completely different from his previous movies. It was really difficult to ask for one more take. So are the other actors, who have been great support for me.

Music director Bobo Sashi: I thank Trident Arts and Suman sir for making me a part of this movie. There are two songs: One is Hostel Gaana crooned by Gaana King Deva, and then Mica Buddies, which is rendered by me. I request everyone to watch the movie in the theatres and enjoy it.