Based on an auto driver's life, 'Visaranai' would be the first film from Kollywood to enter the Orizzonti competitive category at the Venice International Film Festival.
Coimbatore based auto driver Chandrakumar is excited, as his first novel "Lock Up" which has been made into a Tamil film "Visaranai", will be premiered at the Venice International Film Festival later this month.
Directed by celebrated Vetrimaaran, the film is about police excesses that the auto driver suffered as a 17 year old at a police station in Andhra Pradesh, 32 years ago, in a fake case. The film maker is flying Chandrakumar to watch the premier.
Chandrakumar says, "This common man's pain would be heard around the world. They used to hit on the nail and destroy my body inch by inch. This has been chosen for Venice festival because human rights are the same everywhere in India, Asia, Europe or America."
Visaranai would be first film from Kollywood to enter the Orizzonti competitive category.
"In the 72 years history of Venice film festival #Visaaranai is the first Tamil feature to enter in a competitive category... #Visaaranai 2 premier at d 72nd Venice international film festival n Orizzonti competitive category. Proud Wunderbar films," actor Dhanush had tweeted.
As for Vetrimaaran, it's a second consecutive international premier after his super hit Kakka Muttai, both produced by Dhanush.
"It is the face of silent thousands suffering worldwide. It is recognition for Tamil films and finding audiences internationally," explains Vetrimaaran.
The novel was given to the director by a friend, and it immediately struck a chord with him. At that time, Dhanush was taking a break from another film that he was acting in. Vetrimaaran used this time to make Visaranai, the film was ready within a short span of just four months.
In India, fans would have to wait till October for the release.