Our film, Paranthu Po is set to release on July 4th .,
Our film, Paranthu Po is set to release on July 4th. The first single from the film has been released, and we’ve titled it “Sunflower – not a single, not a teaser” since it includes a few scenes from the film.
Like many others, I also have a deep fondness for sunflowers. I got the rare opportunity to shoot in a sunflower field during a July sunrise in my first film itself. We filmed the song “Innum Oru Iravu” from Kattradhu Tamizh in the sunflower fields of Kadappa, Andhra Pradesh.
I wanted to film a few shots for Ananda Yaazhai from Thanga Meengal in a sunflower field too, but the sunflower blooming season didn’t align with our shoot. So instead, we climbed the misty mountains of Achankovil, Kerala to shoot that song. The same thing happened with Peranbu. I wanted a house in the middle of a sunflower field, but due to the same seasonal issues, we changed it to a house by a lake in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.
The sunflower organically came into Paranthu Po’s story. Even though we missed the peak blooming season, we still managed to find a small garden in Mysore, Karnataka and a single sunflower in Annur, Tamil Nadu. I have understood that my desire of capturing sunflowers in cinema will only grow with each film I direct because that’s the speciality of sunflowers.
Whether you have the privilege of seeing a single sunflower, a field full of them, or even just think about them — the joy and excitement they bring are the same. The golden glow of sunflowers reminds me of that untamed young affection we used to call puppy love in our time — a feeling our daughters and sons today call a crush. To me, the sunflower is the flower which represents a crush.
The song “Sunflower” is the crossover of a father’s childhood and his son’s childhood. Lyrics by Madhan Karky, vocals by Vijay Yesudas, and music composed by Santhosh Dhayanithi.
When Paranthu Po releases on July 4, sunflowers will be blooming everywhere as it’ll be the season of sunflowers. Come watch Paranthu Po with sunflowers. Shiva, Grace Antony, Anjali, Aju Varghese, VIjay Yesudas, and a team of naughty little brats will be waiting for you.
May you always be surrounded by love, peace, and joy.
