Avvai Shanmugi (1996)

Interesting facts

• Filmed in: South Africa

Avvai Shanmugi is a 1996 Indian Tamil-language screwball comedy film directed by K. S. Ravikumar and co-written by Crazy Mohan. The film stars Kamal Haasan and Meena, with Gemini Ganesan, Nagesh, Heera, Manivannan, Nassar, Delhi Ganesh and Ann in supporting roles. Inspired by the American film Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), it follows a divorcé who disguises as an elderly female housekeeper to be close to his daughter, whose custody is only with his ex-wife.

Production

Jijo Punnoose wanted to make a film starring Kamal Haasan as a man dressed as a woman, but Haasan refused as the role was an adolescent woman whereas he wanted to play an elderly woman. Haasan later desired to do a film inspired by the American films Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and Tootsie (1982) which became Avvai Shanmughi. He acknowledged the film's resemblance to another American film Mrs.

Sivaji Ganesan was Ravikumar's initial choice for the role of Vishwanathan Iyer, which ultimately went to Gemini Ganesan (no relation). A debutant Sri Durga was initially chosen to play the character Rathna, but was ultimately replaced by Heera. Haasan's daughter Akshara was considered for playing the lead pair's daughter, but declined; the role went to Ann Alexia Anra, her feature film debut.

The song "Kadhala Kadhala" was shot in South Africa. The make-up artist Michael Westmore provided advice alongside K. M. Sarathkumar as well as creating the makeup for the film. An initial photoshoot had Haasan dressed as a middle-aged woman, but it was later decided that he portray elderly woman. The padding and foundation used gave Haasan an allergic reaction beneath his eyes.

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