Dev Patel to star in Hindi remake of ‘Nadodigal’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - British-Indian actor Dev Patel, who starred in Oscar winning film “Slumdog Millionaire”, could in all probability star in the Hindi remake of Tamil movie “Nadodigal”.

Addressing reporters here Sunday “Nadodigal” director Samuthirakkani said that talks with Dev are underway.

“We are hopeful of signing him up for the lead role in the yet-to-be named Hindi remake of ‘Nadodigal’. The Telugu remake will go on the floors next month with Ravi Teja in the lead role and we will start shooting the Kannada remake in December with Puneet in the lead,” said Samuthirakkani who will direct all the three versions.

Released last month, the film starring director-actor Sasikumar, Abhinaya, Ananya, Vijay Vasanth, Bharani and Ganja Karuppu is running packed houses at 168 centres in Tamil Nadu.

“The total cost of the film was Rs.7.40 crore. According to the distributors, the film is expected to gross more than Rs.30 crore once it completes 100 days,” said Samuthirakkani.

“Nadodigal”, an ode to friendship, revolves around Karuna (Sasikumar), Chandran (Vijay Vasanth) and Pandian (Bharani) - the three youths in a small town who share good camaraderie and their friendship spills over to their respective families too.

The film does carry an appealing message for today’s fast paced society.

There are three actresses in the film and one of them is Abhinaya, who is deaf and dumb. But Samuthirakkani says he didn’t face any problem while instructing her.

“I had no problem to communicate with her. Her mother assisted us and she has done an excellent role despite her handicap,” said the director.

The film also stars Ananya and Malaysia-based Shanthini.