We witnessed a muhurt like the one for director Sundar C.’s new Tamil film, Mookuthi Amman 2, in Madras after a long time. Prasad Studios was buzzing with activity when we reached there around 9 a.m. on 6th March. Although work was not going on at a frenetic pace, it was evident that the muhurt was going to be an elaborate affair. And it was!
Before the muhurt, there was a fantastic dance recital followed by a jugalbandi of two artistes — one on the veena, and the other playing the flute. After the two superlative performances, it was time for the film’s muhurt for which all the cast and crew members were called on the dais. Nayanthara looked resplendent in a plain red saree with a golden border. Regina Cassandra looked fetching in a pink saree with a green border and matching blouse. Actress Khushboo, who is the wife of Sundar C., was also in a red saree with golden embroidery. Her beauty and million-dollar smile complemented each other wonderfully. Producer Ishari K. Ganesh was a picture of cool confidence as he revealed that the film would be shot in Tamil but dubbed in the other three South languages as well as Hindi. In fact, the plan is to release the Hindi version in a big way next year along with the four South language versions.
Sundar C. may not have directed the first Mookuthi Amman but he is calling the shots in the sequel. “It’s not the typical sequel,” clarifies Sundar, adding, “While the first part was a satire on the state of affairs today, the second part is a fantasy mythological.” Elaborating, the super-successful director says, “Usually, if a film of a particular genre clicks, you have several filmmakers announcing films of a similar kind. But in spite of the runaway success of Jai Santoshi Maa (Hindi) in 1975, the trend of making mythologicals on Goddesses just didn’t start. I have never understood the reason, but I have often wondered why. That’s how the idea of making a film on a Goddess came to my mind.” Literally translated, Mookuthi Amman means Nose-ring Goddess.
Nayanthara’s casting wasn’t done by Sundar as she had played the lead role in the first part too and so was the obvious choice to lead the star cast in part 2 also. Sundar is all praise for the superstar actress because of her dedication and hard work. “The first shot today is just of a few seconds but Nayanthara has been calling me and discussing the same through the last several days without fail,” reveals Sundar. “Sometimes, she calls twice a day to get a hang of the nuances. Such sincerity and passion are a director’s delight. What else can a filmmaker ask for?”
Sundar C. informs that the film would be the costliest Tamil film in its genre. This is one reason why the producers are looking at a pan-India release for the film. “Besides, the rest of India also worships Goddesses just as South Indians do and so, the story does have an all-India appeal,” reasons the director whose last release, Aranmanai 4, was a resounding hit.