Vaali (1999)

Interesting facts

Vaalee is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language romantic psychological thriller film written and directed by S. J. Suryah. The film stars Ajith Kumar in the main dual lead role with Simran and Jyothika. Vivek, Rajeev, Pandu and Sujitha appear in supporting roles. It revolves around identical twins Shiva and Deva, the latter being deaf-mute. He lusts for Shiva's love interest Priya, an obsession that continues even after their marriage.

Production

S. J. Suryah had worked as an assistant director in Vasanth's Aasai (1995) which featured Ajith Kumar in the main lead as well as working with him during the making of Ullaasam (1997). Ajith asked Suryah to prepare a good script and promised he would give him a chance to make his directorial debut. After Suryah completed the script of Vaalee in 60 days, the pair approached S. S. Chakravarthy to produce the film.

Keerthi Reddy was announced to be the lead actress in the film in December 1997, though she was replaced by Simran before filming began. Roja and Meena also were approached to play the female lead but both of them could not allocate the dates. Jyothika, sister of actress Nagma, made her Tamil debut in the film as an imaginary character, Sona.

Ravi Varman initially worked as the film's cinematographer but left after facing issues from the Film Employees Federation of South India. Cinematography was completed by Jeeva, while M. S. Prabhu was credited for additional cinematography. The scene where Shiva answers a phone call was shot at a bungalow in Boat Club Road, Chennai. According to Suryah, this scene was the first shot he composed and it involved meticulous planning.

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