‘Thandakaaranyam’ Director Reflects on Six-year Journey From Script to Screen

Published: September 22, 2025 04:02 pm IST | Updated: September 22, 2025 04:02 pm IST

Filmmaker Athiyan Athirai expressed relief and contentment as he received feedback for his new film, Thandakaaranyam, during a special screening. This release marks a significant milestone, arriving six years after his debut feature, Irandam Ulagaporin kadaisi Gundu. The lengthy gap between projects stemmed from unforeseen obstacles, primarily the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic-Induced Delays and New Opportunities

Athiyan explained that instantly following the success of Gundu, he engaged in discussions with a prominent actor about a potential collaboration. However, the pandemic brought those plans to a standstill. The actor’s extensive backlog of delayed projects forced Athiyan to reassess his options and embark on the development of Thandakaaranyam. This involved two years of intensive readiness,encompassing extensive fieldwork,source interviews,and location scouting across Jharkhand,Chhattisgarh,and Kerala.

Remarkable Efficiency in Production

Despite the film’s complex narrative – a tribal man’s arduous journey from Tamil Nadu to a paramilitary training camp in Jharkhand – the principal photography was completed in a remarkably swift 38 days. athiyan attributes this efficiency to meticulous pre-production, including three months of rehearsals. These rehearsals encompassed not only dialogue but also rigorous physical training and military drills for the cast, crucial for capturing the authenticity of the story’s settings and action sequences.

“We had to be conscious of our actors’ call sheets and the budget,” Athiyan stated, underscoring the logistical challenges overcome during production.

A collaborative Vision with Pa Ranjith

The production of Thandakaaranyam benefited greatly from the support and trust of producer Pa Ranjith of Neelam Productions. athiyan noted the evolution of Neelam Productions over the past six years, expanding from single-film production to simultaneous projects while consistently prioritizing compelling content. This collaborative environment allowed for a broader scope and creative freedom in bringing the story to life.

Athiyan Athirai, Kalaiyarasan, and Vinsu Sam during filming of ‘Thandakaaranyam’.

Themes of Identity and Civilization

A notably poignant scene in Thandakaaranyam features a dialogue between characters Priya and Murugan, exploring themes of identity and the constraints of civilization. priya proposes they shed their clothes and walk nude through the forest,questioning what awaits them beyond its boundaries-a world that demands conformity and the suppression of individuality. Athiyan explained this scene reflects the historical customs of tribal communities, where nudity was not taboo, and the imposition of societal norms by outsiders.

“Its we who imposed our moral codes upon them,” Athiyan said,reflecting on the societal constructs and their impact on individual freedom and equality.

Unique Artistic Choices and Narrative integrity

Athiyan showcased a distinctive artistic approach by allowing a piece of oppari music to play over a black screen during the opening credits, foregoing customary animation. This purposeful choice aimed to encourage audience imagination and immerse them in the film’s atmosphere. The director also acknowledged concerns that Thandakaaranyam might draw comparisons to other recent Tamil films tackling similar themes, such as Taanakkaran and Viduthalai, but stressed his dedication to crafting a unique narrative based on original research and insights.

Here’s a quick look at the key production details:

Athiyan confidently asserts that his film offers a fresh outlook and will resonate with audiences willing to engage with its nuanced portrayal of societal issues and individual struggles. Thandakaaranyam is currently showing in theaters.

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