“Natpathigaram 79 is a feel-good drama on the lines of Ullam Ketkume”

Raj Bharath, who is playing one of the lead roles in Natpathigaram 79, talks to Only Kollywood about the film and his foray into Kollywood.

“I made by debut as an actor in Mysskin Sir’s Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum by playing the villain role Thamba. I was confined to a wheel-chair throughout the film. Though my face was not registered in the minds of audiences, my character got noticed and received appreciations. I also played a role with negative shades in director Sasi’s 555, which also saw the light of day at the same time during Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum. But, my role of Thamba fetched me more recognition and subsequently, I landed a lead role offer in Andhra Mess which is currently under postproduction,” recalls Bharath about his foray into acting in K’town.

Now, Raj Bharath is gearing up for the release of Natpathigaram 79 which marks the comeback of director Ravichandran of Kannethire Thondrinaal and Majnu fame. “I was passionately involved in Natpathigaram right from the scripting stage to post production. I assisted Ravichandran and it was a great learning experience for me to work behind the lens too. The film will be on the lines of Kannethire Thondrinaal on the friendship factor. But, we have given a contemporary touch to the story. It’s a simple, straightforward, linear screenplay. You will know what’s going to happen. But, the making will be interesting. Though you will be able to easily judge upcoming events in the screenplay, how it happens is conveyed in a realistic manner,” Raj Bharath says.

“Visuals in the film will take the story forward because we have weaved a lot of emotions in it. Especially in the second half, the dialogues will be less and more importance has been given to the visuals, which will enhance the mood. The songs are picturized beautifully like Ravichandran’s previous films with great technical values,” he adds.

The film was majorly shot in live locations across Chennai, Bangalore and Pondicherry. Reshmi Menon plays a Brahmin girl in the film and scenes involving her family are captured naturally with the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple in the backdrop.

Natpathigaram 79 has no negative characters at all, which Raj Bharath calls an interesting facet of the story. “It’s a very rare thing these days to make a film without a villain. In fact, it’s the most positive aspect of our film. It’s about friendship, misunderstandings, romance, sorrows and happiness. It’s on the lines of Ullam Ketkume and Unnale Unnale, a feel-good drama but with Ravichandran’s stamp. The family drama in the story will be appealing to the audience,” says Raj whose next film is Sigai, where he plays one of the lead roles alongside Kathir of Kirumi fame.

Produced by Ravikumar under the banner Jayam Entertainment, Natpathigaram 79 also stars Amzath Khan, Reshmi Menon and Tejaswi Madivada in the lead roles. MS Bhaskar and Subbu Panchu will be also seen in important roles. It is released by Sri Thenandal Films in over 150 screens in Tamil Nadu on March 11th.