Chennai: Otrai Panai Maram (Single Palm Tree) – A film set against the backdrop of the final stages of Sri Lankan civil war has been garnering rave reviews and cornering award after award in the international film festival circuit.
Director by Puthiyavan who has earlier directed Mann, Otrai Panai Maram is based on a true story. It has featured in 37 international film festivals including Moondance and has bagged 12 awards – Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Music. Speaking on the film’s success, producer S Thanigaivel of RSSS Pictures said, ‘I feel very happy to have produced this film.’
‘The film begins during the final days of the Sri Lankan war and tells a story which even the real fighters and people who have witnessed the war firsthand fear to talk about. Realistic acting, natural cinematography, and scenes with twists and turns that weigh on your heartstrings will take the viewers to the middle of a village in Killinochi in Eezham where the film is set,’ said Thanigaivel
‘Watching Otrai Panai Maram will definitely be a new experience to the viewers. The people will understand the happiness I felt producing this film when they watch it themselves,’ he added.
The crew of Otrai Panai Maram features multiple-award winners. Director Puthiyavan Rasiah won the best director award has also acted in an important role in Otrai Panai Maram. Producer Thanigaivel is a national award winner and the film’s Sri Lankan cinematographer Mahinda Abeysinghe is world renowned with multiple international awards under his belt.
Otrai Panai Maram’s music has been composed by Ashwamithra who has used only traditional Tamil musical instruments for the entire film. The music and background score is the pulse of the film, say the film crew. The film also features actors Navayuga, Ajathika Puthiyavan, Perumal Kasi, Manickam Jegan and Thanuvan.