Chennai: In a first for Indian cinema, a full-length feature film will feature a real lion on screen. Titled Singha, the project is being produced on a lavish scale by V. Mathiyalagan of Etcetera Entertainment in association with Thithir Film House Pvt Ltd.
Directed by K.C. Ravithevan, the film will showcase actress Shrrita Rao in the lead role. Ravithevan, an alumnus of a prestigious film institute and a former assistant to legendary actor Kamal Haasan, is helming this ambitious venture.
Shrrita Rao, known for her performances in films like Lenin Pandian and Prabhu Solomon’s Kumki 2, takes on the central character in this multilingual film.
Singha will release in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, marking Mathiyalagan’s 14th production. He is already known for notable projects like Appa, Kolaiyuthir Kaalam, Maha, Marainthirunthu Paarkum Marmam Enna, and Saamaniyan.
Speaking about the making, director Ravithevan revealed that the team is adhering to strict safety protocols to film with the lion.
“When we narrated the script to several leading actresses, they appreciated the story but were hesitant to share the screen with a real lion. Shrrita Rao showed immense courage and is performing brilliantly,” he said.
ALSO READ: Dialogue crucial for lasting peace along Assam-Meghalaya border: Conrad
The film also features a high-intensity sequence involving 300 wolves. This required a fearless performer, and actress Leesha Eclairs, known for 1945, Pothunalan Kaurthi, and Jawan, was cast for the part.
Singha has been shot across international and domestic locations, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Zambia, Goa, Tenkasi, and Visakhapatnam.
“It’s a global story, and we want audiences across India to connect with it. We believe this will appeal to both kids and adults,” Ravithevan added.
On the technical side, Amrish is composing the music, while dialogues are penned by Kannan Selvaraj.
Cinematography is by P.G. Muthiah, production design by Hasini Pavithra, editing by Tamil Arasan, and action choreography by Stunner Sam.
