Kitna (film)

Kitna is an upcoming Indian Tamil drama film written and directed by Samuthirakani. The film will be simultaneously made in Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. While Dhansika plays the lead role in all four languages, each version has different cast members, with Samuthirakani and Mahima Nambiar playing pivotal roles in the Tamil and Malayalam versions.

Cast

 * Dhansika as Pavitra
 * Samuthirakani as Anbukarasu
 * Mahima Nambiar as Ambika
 * Yogi
 * Kannada version
 * Kishore

Production
During the promotions of Nimirndhu Nil in February 2014, Samuthirakani revealed that he would next act and direct in a village-centric film, where Amala Paul would play the main role. He subsequently revealed that the film would have the backdrop of a forest, with Amala Paul portraying a dual role as well as having a character whose life span the film tracks from birth till forty five. Initial titles considered included Krishna and Kedaari, before the team finalised Kitna. Priyamani was also considered by the director for a role, but eventually was not signed. However the delay of starting production and as a result of her marriage, Amala Paul opted out of playing the lead character in the film. She was consequently replaced in the lead role by Dhansika in August 2014, while Kannada actor Yogi was also selected for a character role. Samuthirakani was initially hopeful that Amala Paul would play another role in the film, but actress Mahima Nambiar, who had earlier worked with Samuthirakani in Saattai (2012), was then signed on to portray that role for the Tamil and Malayalam versions of the film. Samuthirakani revealed that Kishore would replace him in the Kannada version of the film.

In October 2014, Samuthirakani revealed that he would release two versions of the film for Tamil audiences - one lasting just over two hours and the other lasting three hours, in order to cater to different audiences. He also revealed ambitions of having the film premièred at the 2015 Cannes International Film Festival. However delays meant that the film progressed slowly and was further delayed after Samuthirakani allowed Dhansika to postpone her work on the project, after she got an offer to feature in Pa. Ranjith's Kaala (2018).