[Paul Bunyan]

Pugazhendhi Thangaraj, known for his mature handling of sensitive subjects, (Kaatrukenna Veli, his earlier film,) is back with another socially-relevant theme.

Titled Uchithanai Mugarndhal, this one is based on the 13-year-old rape victim, Y. Punithavathy, during the 2009 Sri Lankan ethnic war.

Teenage actor Neenika plays the central character of Punithavathy. Sathyaraj and Sangeetha portray Professor Natesan and his wife who gave shelter to the girl.

Pugazhendhi said, “The atrocity meted out to a child under the pretext of war was unbearable and prompted me to make this movie. This should not happen to any other child in the world.”

He went on, “I could only think of Sathyaraj for this sensitive subject. No one else would understand and be able to project the required sensibilities in a proper perspective, though a lot of actors talk big.”

Everyone was heaping laurels on Imman, who has scored brilliant music for the movie almost free of cost. “Imman got a standing ovation when the Uchithanai… audio was unveiled at London,” revealed Sathyaraj. Neenika’s performance will definitely make it to this year’s National Award list, many feel.

Imman responded emotionally, “Being a Tamilian, it is enough that I have done a film like this”.

Nasser, Seeman and Lakshmi Ramakrishnan form the supporting cast. After minor cuts, the film has been passed with a U/A Certification by the Censor Board.

Presented by the Gemini Film Circuit, it is slated for release next week.