Visaranai: A synopsis
Visaranai, literally meaning "interrogation", has been directed by Vetrimaran and produced by actor Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films. The film is based on the true events from the novel Lock Up written by M. Chandrakumar, popularly known as Auto Chandran, an auto driver from Coimbatore. The film documents four migrant workers who suffer police brutality and corruption after being jailed on false charges. Here is all you need to know about the movie: 1. The novel Lock Up written by auto-rickshaw driver, M Chandrakumar, is based on real life police brutality and corruption that he faced in his early life, in 1983. 2. Chandran, along with 3 other friends, was subjected to brutal police treatment in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, to make them accept a crime they did not commit. 3. Chandran got out of this ordeal alive and wrote the novel Lock Up that relives his trials and tribulations at the hands of law. 4. National Award-winning filmmaker, Vetrimaran adopted the story from this novel for his film Visaranai. 5. Dhanush did not have the time to play the lead role in the film, but decided to be a part of the venture by producing it under his home banner Wunderbar Productions. 6. The film narrates the story of four labourers from Tamil Nadu, who work in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. They are arrested for a crime they did not commit and the film goes on to portray the corruption in the police force. 7. Visaranai released to rave reviews. Critics, celebrities and fans alike, appreciated the movie even as it went on to win three prestigious National Awards, including best Tamil feature film, award for best editing went to Kishore Te, and the best supporting actor went to Samuthirakani.Visaranai Goes Global
The film was made with the aim of sending it to the international circuits. Vetrimaran and team wanted to screen the film at one of the four major festivals including Venice, Cannes, Toronto and Berlin. And what followed was indeed special for the makers of the film:- The film bagged the ‘Cinema for Human Rights’ award in the Venice International Film Festival.
- This was the first time that a Tamil movie premiered in the competition segment of the 72-year-old history of the Venice International Film Festival.
- The film received a standing ovation.
- Visaranai has also won the Amnesty International Italia Award 2015.
- The international version of Visaranai does not have music and some dialogues have also been muted to suit the international sensibilities.
- Now, the film is all set to travel to the USA and feature in the race for nomination to the Oscar Awards.
