Veteran actress Roja is officially making her much-anticipated return to the silver screen after a hiatus of eleven years. While audiences await her comeback vehicle, the yet-to-be-released 'Lenin Pandiyan', the actress has already commenced work on her next project. Her last film appearance was in 'En Vazhi Thani Vazhi' back in 2015.
A Tailor-Made Role for a Powerful Performer
In her new venture, Roja will be seen playing the mother of actor-filmmaker Pari Elavazhagan, who rose to fame with the film 'Jama'. Pari is not only acting in the lead role but has also written and directed this untitled family entertainer. The multi-hyphenate talent shared his excitement about casting Roja, emphasizing the strength she brings to the screen.
"The main reason we approached Roja ma'am is because there is power in her acting and presence," Pari revealed. He added, "It's a tailor-made character for her. She is sweet and easy to work with." This collaboration marks a significant moment, pairing a seasoned actress with a promising new-age creator.
Fresh Faces and a Chennai Backdrop
The film boasts an interesting ensemble cast. Joining Roja and Pari are actors Chethan and Ramya Ranganathan. Ramya, known for her performance in 'Nilavukku Enmel Ennadi Kobam' (NEEK), will be portraying the lover's role in the narrative. Pari explained his casting choice for Ramya, stating he found her very expressive in NEEK and conducted an audition to ensure she fit this specific part.
Adding to the fresh talent is Adithi, the daughter of actor Kalaiyarasan. Pari, familiar with the family, believed she would be perfectly suited for a role in the film. The project has already gone on floors and is being shot entirely in Chennai, capturing the essence of the city.
A Shift from Drama to a Jolly Entertainer
Pari Elavazhagan, whose directorial debut 'Jama' was a drama focusing on folk artistes, is now exploring a completely different genre. He describes his new film as a "jolly romcom/family entertainer" with a modern vibe.
"There has always been a space in Tamil cinema for family entertainers, and I wanted to explore that," he said. Acknowledging audience expectations, he added, "People would expect another film like 'Jama' from me. But I didn't want to be stuck in a zone. So, I took my time to write this script." This conscious shift highlights his desire to evolve as a storyteller and cater to a broader audience seeking light-hearted entertainment.
The announcement has generated considerable buzz, marking a warm welcome back for Roja and signaling an exciting new chapter for Pari Elavazhagan as he ventures into the family-friendly genre with a stellar cast.
