Tamil actor Napoleon has described his upcoming horror comedy America Aavi as the first Tamil film to be shot entirely in the United States using film enthusiasts and Tamil technicians living there.
Speaking at the film’s audio and trailer launch in Chennai, Napoleon said the project began as a light-hearted initiative after his children asked him why he was no longer acting. However, the idea developed into a full-fledged film as the production progressed.
“We started making this film in a playful fashion after my children asked me why I was not acting. But as we started making it, it started coming out well,” Napoleon said, expressing confidence that audiences would enjoy the film.
Directed by Thanjai JPR, the film features around 200 new faces, according to Napoleon. He said the cast members were professionals working in fields such as medicine, education, science and engineering, with many holding senior positions at leading companies in the United States.
The production was completed over 75 days, with participants allocating their spare time to the project. Napoleon said the experience was challenging because many of the performers had never even watched a film shoot before.
He said he and the director trained the participants and helped them deliver their performances. The film also features people from 40 different countries, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those involved in the production.
America Aavi has been produced by Dhanoosh Nepoleon and Gunal Nepoleon. Adish Uthrian has composed the music, while Nashville Prabhu has handled cinematography. Linu M. Snehan is responsible for editing.
Thanjai JPR and Snehan have penned the lyrics, while Stunt Siva has choreographed the action sequences and Kala has handled the dance choreography.
Napoleon, who was once a prominent actor in Tamil cinema and served as a Union Minister before moving into business and settling in the United States, said the film was intended as a light-hearted horror comedy suitable for families to watch together.