‘Alangu’ director SP Sakthivel on how Mani, an indie dog, sparked the idea for his film

As director SP Sakthivel’s film, ‘Alangu’, gears up for release on December 27, the director recounts his childhood memories with Mani

It was a dream come true moment for director S P Sakthivel and his team when Rajinikanth launched the trailer of Alangu, a film inspired by true incidents from his childhood, especially the bond he shared with his pet Mani, an indie dog. Recalling the trailer launch and an interaction with Rajinikanth that followed, Sakthivel says, “Our meeting with the superstar just happened, without any plan. He appreciated our efforts whole heartedly. He was curious to know more. When we started narrating the story, he interrupted and told us he’d like to catch the suspense on the big screen.” Actor-politician Vijay has also endorsed the film.

While the trailer has set the buzz on the social media, Sakthivel who grew up in Tiruppur near Coimbatore, reasons why the film’s tagline says ‘inspired by true events’. “The spark came from my memories with Mani when I was studying in class eight or so. A health scare for my pet made me believe that he is no more. But Mani entered my life again in a surprise twist and we travelled along for a few more years. I wrote a light-hearted script with fun moments between us. Later, stories of pet abuse made me set the story between two factions — dog lovers and the ones that have no love left for animals.”

Alangu unfolds in a forest backdrop on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border in a tribal settlement, capturing a growing conflict between a tribal youth organisation and a Malayali political outfit. Featuring artists like Chemban Vinod Jose, Gunanidhi, and Kaali Venkat, he says it’s an action drama, a tale of survival that promises a cinematic experience on the big screen. While there’s is no heroine in the film, the conflict revolves around Kaliamma alias Kali, an indie

Sakthivel chose Anaikatty belt, a familiar terrain for the story. “We shot most portions at Vandiperiyar, Vagamon, and Kattapana forests in Kerala’s Idukki district. One schedule features the elephant corridor near Athriapally. Remaining footage features Theni, Cumbum, and Coimbatore. We wanted to show unusual shots of forest like never before. For example, some of the scenes featuring the tribal boy and his affectionate bond with Kaliamma were shot at as many as four different locations to show best of the beauty of the forests. We wanted the audience to appreciate the hard work that went behind every shot in the wild. Luckily, Nature was supportive without any untoward downpours,” he reminisces adding that the film’s title draws a parallel with Alangu, a fearsome breed (now extinct) that once thrived in Thanjavur and Tiruchi.

Now, the majestic dog can be found as a Chola era mural in the inner precincts of the Big Temple at Thanjavur. “It is a big hunting dog, with heavy, well-muscled limbs. It’s also enlisted as a fearsome watchdog that has been around during the Raja Raja Chola’s period. Many native breeds have either lost their traits or have become extinct, like Alangu, owing to decades of neglect. Our film also touches upon this aspect as well.” He adds, “Alangu also means Sun’s first rays; alangaram (make up) to name a few. I have tried to strike a balance with breathtaking visuals and an emotional core which is to love all, equally.”