Pugazh (film)
Pugazh is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Manimaran and co-produced by Varun Manian. The film stars Jai and Surbhi, while Karunas, RJ Balaji, G. Marimuthu, and Piraisoodan play supporting roles. The music was composed by Vivek-Mervin. with cinematography by Velraj and editing by G. B. Venkatesh. The film released on 18 March 2016 to mixed reviews from critics.
Cast
- Jai as Pugazhendhi Pugazh
- Surbhi as Bhuvana
- Karunas as Pugazh's brother
- RJ Balaji as Balaji
- G. Marimuthu as Dass
- Piraisoodan as Selvanayagam
- Vikram as Venkat
- Supergood Subramani as Venkat's father
- Kannan as Bhuvana's brother
- Vijayamuthu as Muthu
- Kamal Hassan
- Ravisankar
- Valliappan
- Rajani
- Velraj in a cameo appearance
- AC Gaayathri in a cameo appearance
Production
The film was first reported in November 2013, when it was revealed that Manimaran had cast Jai and Priya Anand to star in his second directorial venture. Anirudh Ravichander was suggested as the film's music composer, while a simultaneously shot Telugu version with Siddharth and Hansika Motwani was also considered. Manimaran added that his first choice was initially Dhanush, but his busy schedule prompted him to select Jai, while the film would be titled Podiyan, and that filming would begin in 2014.Varun Manian announced in July 2014, that he would produce the Tamil film alongside Sushant Prasad and Govindaraj of Film Department Studios, while Velraj was revealed as the cinematographer. Reports suggested that the film may be re-titled as Pugazh, after the title became re-available following a shelved venture by Aascar Films and actor Vijay. In August 2014, reports emerged that Trisha had liked the script of the film and was re-allocating her dates to try and fit the film into her schedule. However, following the end of her engagement with producer Varun Manian, she opted out of the project. Manimaran later stated that he was not interested in casting Trisha, as she did not suit the role, but the producer had been adamant. By November 2014, the film was launched as Pugazh with Surabhi revealed to be the film's lead heroine.