Vikraman with Vijayakanth for 'Mariyadai'

After a gap of eight years director Vikraman is teaming up with Vijayakanth to make "Mariyadai" which was formally launched on Oct.9.

Vikraman's last film featuring Vijayakanth was "Vanathaipole" (1999) which was a box office hit.

In "Mariyadai", to be produced by T. Siva of Amma Creations, Vijayakanth plays a double role _ father and son. Playing opposite him are Ambika, Meena, and Meera Jasmine. Others in the cast include Shanmugaraja, Ramesh Kanna and Sampath.

Besides directing, Vikram has written the story, screenplay and dialogue for the new film. 'Naakku… Mukka.." ("Kadalil Vizhunden") fame Vijay Antony scores the music. Andrews handles the camera.

Shooting will start on Oct. 31. The film will shot in Pollachi and locations in Kerala.

Vikraman has 15 films to his credit. "Vanathaipole" featuring Vijayakanth was released in 85 theatres across Tamil Nadu and ran for 100 days.

Later, Vikraman changed his formula and made "Chennai Kadal" with Bharat. It flopped.

Rama Narayanan, president of the Film Producers Council, inaugurated the new venture. Among the celebrities who attended the launch function were actress Sandhya, actor Srikanth, producers K.R.G., Kalaipuli Dhanu, Ibrahim Rowther, R.B. Chowdhary, Kaja Maideen and Sivasakthi Pandian and director Amir.

Speaking at the function, Vikraman said Vijayakanth plays the dual roles of father and son. After seeing the movie, everyone would wish to have such a father, he added.

Vijayakanth said producer Siva has assured him that there would be stunt scenes also. He had heard the story for two hours and he was so impressed with it that he put off "Vriddhagiri" so he could complete "Mariyadai" first.