Getting better

Modelling is a sure shot way of getting into films, as Sharran knows. His coordinating agency had sent him for auditions for the cast of Inidhu Inidhu (Duet Movies). Sharran bagged a supporting role in the film, and was appreciated by none other than Prakash Raj. Word got around, and Sharran soon got the lead role in Vaada Poda Nanbargal , due for release shortly. What next? “I have just signed for the lead in Kathiravan , directed by Noufal (from Mumbai). I'm paired opposite Poonam Kaur,” says Sharran.

Big leap

H is first attempt at breaking into films didn't fructify after he auditioned for a role in Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaayaa . Although Gautham Menon was not present at the preliminary auditions, Ashwin Kakumanu was noticed by the assistants, and was called when Gautham was planning Nadunissi Naygal . “I play Sameera Reddy's love interest,” says Ashwin, who's doing a small role in Murugadoss' 7aam Arivu . But, the big break seems to be Venkat Prabhu's Mankatha where Ashwin is rubbing shoulders with Ajith Kumar and Premgi Amaran. “I dabbled a bit in the family business, modelled a little, besides attempting a few short films. But, all along, it was acting that I wanted to do, and I seem to be getting there,” says a confident Ashwin.

Anger management

After learning the ropes assisting director Shankar in films such as Mudhalvan , Nayak , Boys , Anniyan and Sivaji , K.R. Mathivanan has his own directorial vehicle Aridhu Aridhu . Starring new comers Harish Kalyan and Uthra (2008 Miss India New Zealand), the story revolves around ‘anger and revenge'. Says Mathivanan: “Many a time, anger results in revenge and death. Through Aridhu Aridhu, I wish to convey that anger can be solved by talking about it. Life is important, and we should find every means to safeguard it.” Can one expect touches of Shankar in his film? “A child always imbibes traits from his parents. So…,” says Mathivanan.

The power of friendship

When there are two heroes and a heroine, one expects a triangular love story. But, director Manigai makes Vaada Poda Nanbargal different. Hero Nanda ( Pugaipadam ) and new-face Yashika are paired in the film, while Sharran plays the hero's close friend. “The film's about friendship, portrayed as an integral part of one's life that includes sacrifice, commitment, support… In this film, the two are friends, but never together. It is a committed relationship that finds fruition only towards the end,” says Manigai, who believes his screenplay is the film's strong point.