Ashok Selvan has opened up about the financial challenges he faced while producing his upcoming romantic drama Anbil Avan, revealing that he mortgaged his parents’ house when the film’s budget exceeded his initial plans. Speaking at the film’s pre-release event in Chennai, the actor said his parents stood firmly behind his dream despite the difficult circumstances. The film also marks his return to a lead role after more than two years.
Ashok Selvan explains why ‘Anbil Avan’ became an important film
As reported by Cinema Vikatan, Ashok Selvan spoke about the long gap since his last theatrical release as a lead actor and explained why he chose to wait for a project he genuinely believed in rather than take on a film simply to remain visible.“I have not had a film in which I played the lead release for more than two years. In cinema terms, that feels like a six-year gap. I did not want to do a film just for the sake of making one and staying in people’s view. I wanted the films I do to have an impact. I feel ‘Anbil Avan’ is the right film for that,” he said.The actor has also been closely involved with the project as a producer, making the film particularly significant as he enters a new phase in his career.
‘Anbil Avan’ marks a fresh start for Ashok Selvan
Selvan further discussed his approach to choosing projects, saying that he does not want to create films from a place of creative comfort. He acknowledged that financial considerations have influenced some of his earlier choices, but said he now wants to give his complete commitment whenever his name is attached to a project.“I have always believed that I should put in a lot of effort while working on a film. I do not want to stay in a comfortable place and make a film. There have been times when I have done films because of financial needs. But from this film onwards, if my name is attached to a project, it means I have given 100 per cent of my effort,” Ashok Selvan said.He also acknowledged that the success or failure of a film depends on several factors, but said the experience of making Anbil Avan has already made it an important milestone for him.“There will be many things beyond the success or failure of a film. For me, this film feels like a new beginning,” he said.
Ashok Selvan reveals he mortgaged his parents’ house for the film
The actor also spoke candidly about the financial difficulties that arose during the production. According to Selvan, the film’s expenses continued to rise and eventually went beyond the budget he had originally anticipated.“At one point, the finances for the film kept increasing. That was when I mortgaged my parents’ house documents. I want to thank them for standing by me,” he said.Explaining why he chose to continue with the planned production despite the rising costs, Selvan said he did not want to compromise on elements he believed were essential to the film.“The budget went beyond what I had expected. I did not feel like cutting down on the things that were necessary for the film. It was a very difficult situation. My parents supported me because they wanted to stand by their son’s dream. There is no one like my father and mother. I thank them,” he added.The revelation highlights the personal and financial stakes attached to the project for Selvan, who has taken on both the lead role and producer responsibilities.
Vignesh Raja is among the writers of ‘Anbil Avan’
Anbil Avan is written by Por Thozhil director Vignesh Raja, with Ashok Selvan and director Karthikeyan also contributing to the screenplay. The romantic drama stars Ashok Selvan and Preethi Mukundhan in the lead roles and is gearing up for its theatrical release this week. For Selvan, the film represents both his return to leading roles after a lengthy gap and a significant personal investment in a project he describes as a new beginning.
