Amarkalam (1999)

Interesting facts

Amarkkalam is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language romantic action film written and directed by Saran. The film stars Ajith Kumar and Shalini in the lead roles, with Raghuvaran, Nassar, Ponnambalam and Radhika in supporting roles.

Production

The producers of the Saran directorial Kaadhal Mannan (1998), Venkateswaralayam insisted on doing another film with Ajith. The film began production without a script but only the title Amarkkalam being revealed. Saran initially came up with a script revolving around a gangster who loses his eyesight and makes many enemies; however he changed the script when his friends told him that several films on a similar subject were made at that time.

Jyothika was the first choice for the lead actress but could not accept it due to scheduling conflicts. Saran approached Shalini, who was studying at the time, and she refused, but after a three-month pursuit, he finally got her to sign on as well. Saran wanted Shalini because he found her "eyes to be arresting" and she gained the "image of 'everybody's adorable daughter' after Kadhalukku Mariyadhai", which he felt would be right for this role.

The film began production in January 1999 during the same time when Ajith was already attending shooting schedules for Anantha Poongatre, and during the production of the film, Ajith and Shalini fell in love and eventually got married in April 2000. For the lead protagonist's staying place, Saran decided to use a film theatre as a backdrop; he found Srinivasa Theatre after looking at its infrastructure.

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