Thanal is one of the ambitious projects I had been waiting to release” – Ashwin Kakumanu

 *“Thanal is one of the ambitious projects I had been waiting to release” – Ashwin Kakumanu*

Actor Ashwin Kakumanu has become the talk of the town for a valid reason — his never-before-seen antagonistic avatar in Atharvaa Murali’s Thanal. The film, slated for worldwide theatrical release on September 12, recently had its early preview and press shows, which garnered an extraordinary reception for Ashwin’s tremendous performance. The positive reviews haven’t stopped at formal praise; they have been overflowing with admiration for his commanding presence and powerful acting in every single frame.

“Thanks to director Ravindra Madhava. All credit goes to him for choosing me for this role,” humbly says Ashwin Kakumanu . So far, Ashwin has won audiences’ hearts with his soft-spoken romantic roles and challenging protagonist characters in several films. But to see him as a menacing antagonist has come as a refreshing surprise.

“In fact, when Ravindra narrated the script, I didn’t feel like I was playing a villain, but rather a parallel hero — or in simple words, an anti-hero. The subject deals with two men from different walks of life: one who is just beginning his professional journey as a constable, and another whose wounded past has left scars that never fade. When I heard the script, I felt it carried a magic that would be accepted and appreciated by audiences. Thanal is one of the ambitious projects I had been waiting to release. Finally, to witness the heartwarming reception from the press and media fraternity makes me truly happy. I also thank Atharvaa Murali for being a wonderful co-star. It has been a collaborative experience working with a actor like him, who constantly encouraged and complimented my performance throughout the shoot.”

Thanal is bankrolled by M. John Peter of Annai Film Production. While Atharvaa Murali plays the lead role, Ashwin Kakumanu appears as the antagonist. Lavanya Tripathi plays the female lead, with Sha Ra in a pivotal role. The film features music by Justin Prabhakaran, cinematography by Sakthi Saravanan, editing by Kalaivannan R, lyrics by Karthik Netha, choreography by Hari Kiran, art direction by S. Ayyapan, stunt choreography by R. Sakthi Saravanan, and PRO work by Suresh Chandra and Abdul A Nassar.