When S J Suryah, the director with a couple of blockbusters to his credit, decided to don the greasepaint in New in 2004, all that he did to impress the audience was to come out with a series of innovative stills featuring him along with Simran.

Toeing his line is Laxman, a former associate of Suryah,  producing, directing and donning the lead in Aandavan Kattalai. The promotional stills of the film have evoked interest among film buffs, one can say.

There is a difference however. Unlike his guru, Laxman’s movie centres around a group of children and stresses the need for prayer to the Almighty.

Says Laxman: ‘I entered the film industry to become an actor. But nothing worked. So I became Suryah’s assistant in New and distributed the film in Chengelpet. Meanwhile, my creative abilities established me as a successful ad film- maker’.

When Laxman gained enough confidence, he produced S J Suryah- starrer Kalvanin Kadhali which had a good run at the box office. Now his longtime dream is getting realised with  Aandavan Kattalai.

According to Laxman, the film is about a small-time thief who happens to take the place of a priest in a church.  There he meets the children of an orphanage run by the church. They are affectionate towards him and when they get into trouble, it is his heroics that saves them.

‘I have penned the story in the form of a book (much like Harry Potter). It will be released soon.  The movie emphasises on selfless and sincere prayers to the Almighty’, he adds.

The movie is inspired by the title of a yesteryear Sivaji Ganesan hit with the same title that was produced by P S Veerappa. I obtained the rights to use the title from Veerappa’s son Hariharan, Laxman says and adds, ‘Over 30 children of different age groups from various parts of the country will feature alongside me’.

Akarshana, a new face, is playing the heroine, he says. Philip, a kick-boxing champion, plays the villain. ‘An incident that happened to my friend inspired this story,’ signs off Laxman.