“I’m doing what Shankar taught me”

Valmiki is an upcoming film being directed by debutant Anantha Narayanan who had apprenticed with director Shankar. This film has Kalloori Akhil as hero and Meera Nandan from Kerala as heroine. In addition to the lead cast, Shruthi Nair and Ashwatha also will be making their entry in pivotal roles. The stage for the film is being set at North Madras. While probing on this the director said, “The very mention of North Madras makes one think that the film will be full of blood, gory and violence. But it is not so. It is about a man committing petty mistakes and turning over a new leaf later”.

As Anantha Narayanan had his initial training with Shankar, it is only natural to expect the talented director’s influence on his pupil. However countering this argument Anantha Narayanan says, “Shankar always expected his assistants to develop their own individuality which will help them create a niche for themselves. Hence I am following his orders only now. Though I learnt the finer nuances of film making under him, I will always have my own stamp on my products”.