Actor Gautham Karthik, known for his versatile roles, is set to take on a new challenge in his upcoming film, tentatively titled GK19. The film, which explores grassroots-level politics, will be directed by debutant Dhina Raghavan, who has previously worked as an associate director on films such as Gypsy, Japan, and the anthology series Modern Love: Chennai.Gautham, last seen in the historical drama August 16, 1947, will play the role of a party worker in the film. Director Dhina Raghavan describes GK19 as a realistic portrayal of the lives of people in a South Chennai locality, focusing on the local politics that influence their everyday existence. “It will be a raw and authentic depiction without glorification or distortion, similar in tone to films like Joker and Mandela,” says Dhina, emphasizing that the film will blend humor with its exploration of grassroots politics.
Drawing inspiration from his own experiences growing up in Taramani, Dhina reveals that many of the characters in the film are based on people he knew. “The incidents in the film will be relatable to audiences, and the humor will reflect the everyday lives of these people. After watching the film, viewers will gain a better understanding of local politics,” he adds.
Raghavan assures that this film will be a standout in Gautham Karthik’s filmography, as the actor has never portrayed a role like this before. “He plays a young local boy involved in grassroots politics. When I narrated the script, Gautham found the story fresh and agreed to take on the role immediately.”
The film’s dialogues are penned by acclaimed director Raju Murugan, known for his focus on the lives of common people and their political struggles. The film is being produced by APV Maran and director Ganesh K. Babu, who helmed the critically acclaimed Dada. “Ganesh and I were classmates at the film institute, and when we decided to make a film together, Gautham Karthik was our first choice for the lead role,” says Dhina. “Raju Murugan, who was impressed by the story, came on board to write the dialogues.”
GK19 is set to be a unique addition to Tamil cinema, offering an honest look at local politics with a humorous undertone. While the cast for some of the prominent roles is still being finalized, the film is expected to release in April or May 2025. Further details regarding the title and technical crew will be announced soon.