Director Vikarnan says the inspiration for Kavin's 'Mask' came from a real estate scam of which he was a victim! (IANS Exclusive)
Chennai, Nov 23
Director Vikarnan Ashok, whose just released Tamil film 'Mask', featuring actor Kavin in the lead, has taken a strong opening, has now disclosed that the inspiration for the plot of the film came from a real estate scam of which his family and he were a victim.
Talking exclusively to IANS, the director, when asked about the inspiration for such a story, said, "It happened in my life. I was a victim of a real estate scam."
Going on to explain more, he said, "People who intend to commit frauds confidently pick the middle class to con as they think that people belonging to this class will hesitate to hit back. This is because of the compulsions that those from the middle class have. Every month, a person from the middle class has to pay his EMIs, he has to report to office everyday for work and therefore can't stage protests."
Vikarnan went on to add, "I was a victim of one such scam. When educated people are conned, they are bound to get angry. But then, they can't react. However, what if he got an opportunity to react? I began to wonder what would happen if the educated person got an opportunity to react and that is how it all began."
So, has his family got the money back it lost because of the scam? Says Vikaranan, "After 17 years, in June 2025, we got our money back."
The film, which hit screens worldwide on November 21 this year, has been produced by Black Madras Films.
The film has actress Andrea Jeremiah, not just producing it, but also playing the antagonist in it.
This is not the first time that Andrea is playing the antagonist in a film. She was seen playing such a role in director Vetri Maran's 'Vada Chennai'.
The film, which has triggered huge interest among film buffs and fans, has music by National Award winning music director G V Prakash and cinematography by one of the best in the business R D Rajashekar.
Editing for the film is by Ramar and art direction is by Jacki and Vijay Iyyappan.
The film, which is jointly produced by Andrea and S P Chockalingam, is being presented by director Vetri Maran's Grassroots Film Company.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Waiting to watch this film! Real estate scams are so common in India, especially in metro cities. The struggle is real for middle-class families who save their entire lives only to get cheated. Hope this movie creates awareness.
17 years to get their money back? That's heartbreaking! Shows how our legal system fails common people. At least they got justice eventually. Must watch for Kavin and Andrea's performance!
While I appreciate the real-life inspiration, I hope the film doesn't glorify vigilante justice. We need systemic changes, not individual revenge fantasies. Still, looking forward to watching it this weekend!
GV Prakash's music and RD Rajashekar's cinematography - what a combination! The story sounds powerful too. Tamil cinema continues to deliver meaningful content. Booked tickets for Sunday show! 🎬
This hits close to home. My uncle lost 25 lakhs in a Chennai real estate scam. The frustration of educated people being helpless is so true. Hope this film gives voice to countless victims.
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