‘Alangu’ director SP Sakthivel reveals how Mani, an independent dog, gave rise to the idea for his film

A scene from the film Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

When Rajinikanth launched the trailer, it was a dream come true moment for director SP Sakthivel and his team alanguThe film is inspired by true events from his childhood, particularly the bond he shares with his pet Mani, an indie dog. Recalling the trailer launch and the subsequent conversation with Rajinikanth, Sakthivel says, “Our meeting with the superstar was unplanned. He wholeheartedly appreciated our efforts. He was curious to know more. When we started narrating the story, he interrupted and told us that he would like to see suspense on the big screen.” Actor-politician Vijay has also supported the film.

A scene from the movie Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

While the trailer has taken social media by storm, Sakthivel, who grew up in Tirupur near Coimbatore, explains why the tagline of the film is ‘inspired by true events’. “This spark came from my memories with Mani when I was studying in eighth grade. My pet’s health scare led me to believe he was no more. But Mani entered my life again with a surprising twist and we traveled together for a few more years. I wrote a light-hearted script with fun moments between us. Later, stories of pet abuse forced me to set the story between two factions – dog lovers and those who have no love left for animals.’

alangu Shows the growing conflict between a tribal youth organization and a Malayali political organisation, in a tribal settlement against the backdrop of a forest on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. With a cast like Chemban Vinod Jose, Gunanidhi and Kaali Venkat, he says it is an action drama, survival story that promises a cinematic experience on the big screen. Although the film has no heroine, the conflict revolves around Kaliamma alias Kaali, an indie

Director Shakthivel Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Sakthivel chose the Anaikatti belt for the story, which is a familiar area. “We shot most of the stretches in the Vandiperiyar, Vagamon and Kattapana forests of Idukki district in Kerala. One schedule includes the elephant corridor near Athriyapalle. The remaining footage covers Theni, Cumbum and Coimbatore. We wanted to show unusual views of the forest that have never been seen before. For example, some of the scenes involving the tribal boy and his affectionate bond with Kaliyamma were shot at four different locations to best showcase the beauty of the forests. We wanted the audience to appreciate the hard work that went behind every shot in the jungle. Luckily, nature cooperated with me without any unpleasant rain,” he recalls, adding that the film’s title is a parallel to the Alangu, a fearsome breed (now extinct) that once thrived in Thanjavur and Tiruchi.

A scene from the film Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Now, the majestic dog can be found as a Chola era mural painting in the inner complex of the large temple at Thanjavur. “It is a large hunting dog, with heavy and muscular limbs. It is also listed as a fearsome sentinel that existed during the period of Raja Raja Chola. Decades of neglect have caused many native breeds to either lose their characteristics or become extinct like the Alangu. Our film also touches on this aspect.” He adds, “Alangu also means the first rays of the sun; Alangaram (make) to name a few. I have tried to balance that with captivating visuals and an emotional core that everyone has to love equally.