How R Madhavan prepared for GD Naidu: 2-hour audiobook, rare videos and more

R Madhavan created a two-hour-and-forty-minute audiobook of GDN, memorised the entire screenplay and studied rare archival footage to portray inventor GD Naidu, director Krishnakumar Ramakumar has revealed. Speaking to Cinema Vikatan, the filmmaker detailed the actor's extensive preparation for the biographical drama, which releases in theatres on August 7.

Ramakumar said Madhavan immersed himself in every aspect of the project, from understanding the screenplay and perfecting Naidu's body language to refining the script and costume details.

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Madhavan created a complete audiobook of the film

According to Ramakumar, Madhavan recorded an audio version of the entire film well before shooting began.

The recording included not only dialogues but also narrated scenes, background music and sound effects, creating an experience similar to watching the film through audio alone.

"The movie plays fully for about 2 hours and 40 minutes, with all the dialogues spoken and described, music added, and effects too. When you listen to the audiobook, it feels like the movie's actually playing," the director said.

Ramakumar added that Madhavan had memorised the entire screenplay, including the dialogues and scenes of other characters, describing the actor's commitment as exceptional.

Actor studied rare 16mm footage to recreate GD Naidu's body language

To accurately portray GD Naidu, Madhavan studied surviving 16mm footage of the inventor, one of the few moving visual records available.

The director said the footage, filmed at 12 frames per second, required careful interpretation. Instead of simply imitating the movements, Madhavan analysed Naidu's posture, gestures and mannerisms before recreating them on screen.

Ramakumar recalled that the actor experimented with subtle movements, including the way Naidu turned and carried himself, until the performance closely matched the archival footage.

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Attention to costume details extended preparation

Madhavan also examined archival photographs to understand how GD Naidu dressed.

According to the director, the actor noticed specific details about how the inventor wore his trousers and worked with the costume department to recreate the look accurately.

Ramakumar said Madhavan personally suggested adjustments to the costume to better reflect Naidu's appearance.

Madhavan helped shape the screenplay

Beyond acting, Madhavan contributed as a co-writer and assisted in refining the screenplay.

Ramakumar said he initially wanted to include every major achievement from Naidu's life, but Madhavan emphasised that the story should prioritise narrative flow over presenting a sequence of milestones.

The director said the actor helped identify which events were essential to the story and which could be left out, adding that he learned a great deal from the collaboration.

Ramakumar also noted that Madhavan connected naturally with GD Naidu because both shared an interest in automobiles, a similarity he believes strengthened the portrayal.

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About GDN

GDN chronicles the life of GD Naidu, the industrialist, inventor and educationist known as the "Edison of India." The film follows his contributions, including developing India's first indigenous electric motor, establishing the country's first polytechnic college despite studying only up to the third grade, and his work in automobiles, agriculture and medicine.

The film also stars Sathyaraj, Jayaram, Priyamani, Dushara Vijayan, Aditi Balan, Vinay Rai, Karunakaran and Thambi Ramaiah. Featuring music by Govind Vasantha and cinematography by Aravind Kamalanathan, the film is produced by Varghese Moolan Pictures and Madhavan's Tricolour Films. It is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 7.