The Koyambedu market as shooting spot? Yes, director Udayabhanu Maheswaran had chosen the place to capture the rustic atmosphere for Grey Films India Pvt. Ltd's ``Naalai."

A group of junior artistes with hero Richard in the middle was dancing to the tune of Karthik Raja under the instructions of dance master Shanthi.

The unit shifts to a calm location, where Madhumita is waiting. Work continues as the camera begins to follow the lead pair taking a stroll. "Naalai," scheduled for release in June, is the story of two young men with volatile tempers. Brought up in the mafia mould, Justin (Richard) and Nattu (N. Natarajan Subramanian), grow up to become gangsters on whom leader Nair (Nazar) relies.

Hardened as they are by relentless violence, the two are bound by friendship, which gives meaning to their otherwise monotonous life. But there are twists leading to an explosive climax. Richard, whose film career started with Kadir's "Kadhal Virus," went on to do "Girivalam," "Koothu" (Malayalam) and "A film by Aravind" (Telugu). " `Naalai' will showcase my talent as an action hero and also my ability as an actor," says Richard, brother of Shalini Ajith. ``The director has taken care to shape the screenplay. The viewers will enjoy my work," he says with confidence.