Director
Lokesh Kumar’s independent film N4 has been seeing a lot of changes, especially when it comes to its lead heroine. First, it was
Vani Bhojan who was supposed to play the lead. Later, she had to opt out and
Sharanya
Turadi stepped in. And now, the filmmaker, who made the acclaimed My Son Is Gay, has roped in
Airaa
girl
Gabrella Sellus
to play the lead in this thriller, which is set in Kasimedu.
Ask him about these frequent changes and Lokesh says, “When it is an independent film, the actors need to give a considerable amount of time for the film. Like Vani, Sharanya, too, had to opt out owing to date issues. We eventually roped in Gabrella, who played young Nayanthara in Airaa. She is a mime artiste and I have seen one of her short films. I thought I should launch her as a lead actor after seeing her acting prowess. She also does a lot of social awareness videos through her social media account.”
However, his other principal cast — Michael Thangadurai, Pragya Nagra and Anupama Kumar — are very much part of the film, adds Lokesh, who has finished shooting for the film. The filmmaker has also roped in YouTuber Subhalaxmi Parida, who plays a comical role as a fisherwoman. Akshay Kamal, who is acting in the TV serial Rettai Roja, will also be seen in a crucial role. “Akshay plays Pragya’s pair in the film, while Michael and Gabrella play another couple. There are over 10 new faces in this film,” says the director.
The team is currently busy with the post production work and Lokesh says he is hopeful of getting the film released by mid-2020.