An Ipswich teacher spent his half term on a ‘Tollywood’ film set. 

Matthew Applegate is the founder of the Creative Computing Club in London Road. The school delivers computing courses to young people in Ipswich. 

Matthew has been teaching for the past 10 years. However, he spent last Monday in full priest regalia, acting in a new 'Tollywood' film.  

Crews have been spotted around Ipswich in the past few weeks, as filming takes place for the upcoming movie. Benghali cinema, also known as 'Tollywood', is known for having more action than traditional Bollywood films.

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Last week, Film Suffolk production company asked potential extras to come forward.

Matthew has now confirmed that the film is the latest of Praveen Satturu, and is provisionally titled ‘VT12.’ 

“My son bet me that I’d never do it,” said Matthew. He had performed in the past, having been featured in a music video for Riz Ahmed, which also starred Tom Hardy.  

So, when he saw the casting call for a priest, Matthew put his name forward and was invited to the set – the day before filming began. 

“When I arrived, they said I was going to be the priest’s assistant,” said Matthew. “But they liked me in costume, so they bumped me up to priest!” 

In his scene, Matthew delivers a funeral service.

The day on set was an incredible experience.  

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“It was lovely seeing the making of a film behind the scenes,” said Matthew. “I think it really hit me – I am on the set of a multimillion-pound film! 

“Everybody thought I was an actor. People were asking, how long have you been acting? And I’d say, about 30 minutes!” 

He said he also enjoyed chatting with the cast and crew, many of whom hailed from south east Asia. 

“They were all really friendly, and they really liked Ipswich,” he said. “They said it was peaceful and calm, with very little pollution. The roads are so quiet compared the places they come from.” 

Matthew said that the movie will be an action film, set across India and the UK with an environmental theme. 

Filming took place on Monday, October 24, at the graveyard in Cemetery Lane. Matthew said he was grateful to Film Sufolk for helping him take part.