KD deals with ‘Thalaikoothal’: Madhumitha

“The film revolves around the concept of Thalaikoothal, which is a traditional form of geronticide (killing of the elderly) in villages near Madurai,” begins Madhumita. She says that though euthanasia has been made legal in India, Thalaikoothal is illegal as the person is killed without his/her consent. “People there have been following this for ages. An ailing, elderly member of a family is given an oil-bath early in the morning and is made to consume tender coconut, which results in a chronic renal failure and death,” she explains.

The director says that Mu Ramasamy plays an ailing person in the film. “He wakes up from coma and overhears his family planning to perform the ritual of Thalaikoothal for him. He runs away from the house and befriends an orphan named Kutty, played by Nagavishal. The crux of the story is about how they both set out on a journey,” she adds. Mu Ramasamy is known for his powerful performance in films like Joker and Kidaari among others. “Apart from Ramasamy ayya, Nagavishal’s performance will stand out. I visited schools in and around Madurai and picked Nagavishal among the young talents. He won the Best Actor in a Unique Role Award at the Caleidoscope Indian Film Festival in Boston,” says an elated Madhu.

KD also won awards under various categories in London, Singapore, Cincinnati and Jagran Film Festivals. “There is a misconception among the audience that award-winning films are usually slow and a tedious watch. However, I believe that KD won awards because it has necessary commercial elements backed by a strong content,” she concludes.