Manithan promises a fun legal ride

MANITHAN, THE OFFICIAL remake of the Bollywood film Jolly LLB, promises a funnier and more emotional ride, according to its lead actor Udhayanidhi Stalin. He takes on the role of a struggling lawyer, whipped often by the judge, who finally marks a big win that called for grit, courage and honesty.
The Bollywood film was a surprise hit and went on to win two National awards - for best feature film in Hindi and best supporting actor for Saurabh Shukla.
Stalin, moving from his comfort zone of romantic-comedies, says that in remaking the film, the emotional core of the original has been retained, while it has been adapted for the Tamil and south Indian audience.
Also starring Prakash Raj, Hansika Motwani and Vivek, the film has music by Santhosh Narayanan, who is fast-rising as the favourite of directors for his inimitable sounds.
The film's director I Ahmed, who earlier helmed the Jeeva-starrer Endrendrum Punnagai, is upbeat about the film's prospects at the box office. Unlike the breezy, colourful romance-cum-buddy drama of his earlier film, Manithan is more serious turf for him.
He says the subject is intense but his detailing of the film, including a romantic track, will make the Tamil version appealing to a wider audience. Ahmed says he has also embellished the film to make the lead character meatier. He is all-praise for Stalin, saying the young hero has offered a formidable match to the veteran actors including Prakash Raj.
Manithan is now playing at theatres in the UAE.

• South Stars