Veteran Still Photographer Harishankar Janarthanam Ventures into Film Production with Tamil Diaspora

Harishankar Janarthanam, an accomplished still photographer esteemed in the Tamilnadu film industry for his collaborations with directors like Misskin, has embarked on an exhilarating new venture into film production. His partnership with Eelam Tamil filmmaker Siva Santhakumar blossomed during the filming of Misskin’s upcoming “Pisasu 2,” where Siva Santhakumar served as the Director of Photography. Despite the impending release of “Pisasu 2,” their shared ambition to enter the global film arena solidified their bond.

Their collective vision materialized into their inaugural collaboration, “INFLUENCER,” an English-language found footage horror film written and directed by Nero Gilbert, known for his work in “Thupparivalan 2” alongside Misskin. Originally conceived for a UK setting, the film was strategically shot in Sri Lanka, providing a captivating and cost-effective backdrop for Western audiences. Filming unfolded over 30 days, spanning locations across Sri Lanka and the UK.

Starring Florence Simpson from the UK in the lead role and Daniel Holland from Malta as the male lead, “INFLUENCER” boasts a diverse cast featuring Sinhalese and Tamil actors in pivotal roles. The production team includes technicians from Turkey, Sri Lanka, and the UK, with Siva Santhakumar serving as the Director of Photography and Nero Gilbert as the Director.

Currently in post-production, “INFLUENCER” has garnered significant anticipation following today’s release of its teaser trailer. The film promises a distinctive cinematic experience, blending horror elements with the cultural richness of Sri Lanka, poised to captivate global audiences upon its release.