The Art of Aging: How Radikaa Sarathkumar Became Pavunuthaayi in Thaai Kizhavi
Transforming veteran actress Radikaa Sarathkumar into the elderly character Pavunuthaayi for the Tamil film Thaai Kizhavi was far more than a simple application of wrinkles. For prosthetic makeup artist Vineesh Vijayan, it was an artistic endeavor akin to sculpting an entirely new persona from scratch.
A Meticulous Transformation Process
The journey began with advanced technology. Firstly, we conducted a comprehensive 3D scan of Radikaa ma'am to create a custom silicone bodysuit, which she wore throughout filming. To authentically achieve the aged appearance, the team employed latex techniques, stretching the skin and applying liquid latex to naturally induce wrinkles. This meticulous process was not merely cosmetic; it fundamentally altered the actress's body language, allowing her to fully embody the elderly character.
Overcoming Physical and Environmental Hurdles
The transformation proved physically demanding for Radikaa Sarathkumar. She was recovering from knee surgery at the time, and the considerable weight of the silicone bodysuit exacerbated her knee pain. Despite this discomfort, she demonstrated remarkable patience and cooperation throughout the rigorous filming schedule.
According to Vineesh, the primary challenge stemmed from the external environment. The intense heat during shooting caused the latex applications to detach, necessitating constant touch-ups between takes to maintain continuity and realism.
Authenticity in Detail: The Thandatti Challenge
Director Sivakumar Murugesan insisted on authenticity, specifically that Radikaa wear a real thandatti, a traditional heavy ornament. Vineesh glued silicone ears to the actress's own ears to securely attach the thandatti. However, the silicone attachments would frequently loosen during filming, requiring the artist to repeatedly re-glue them between takes to ensure the prop remained perfectly in place.
The Time and Cost of Realism
The daily transformation was a marathon effort. It required approximately five hours each day to apply the full prosthetic makeup and an additional hour to remove it. While digital correction in post-production was a viable option, Vineesh was determined to minimize its use. He emphasized keeping digital corrections to a minimum to control production costs, preferring to achieve the desired look practically on set.
Looking Ahead: Future Projects
Vineesh Vijayan is now channeling his expertise into upcoming cinematic ventures. He has been deeply involved for nearly nine months in the project Varanasi, where he enjoys significant creative freedom to experiment. He is also contributing his prosthetic artistry to the anticipated film Kanchana 4, continuing to push the boundaries of character transformation in Indian cinema.
