Produced by K.E. Gnanavel Raja under the banner of Studio Green, starring leading actor Karthi, and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, the film “Vaa Vaathiyaar” is gearing up for a grand worldwide theatrical release on January 14, as a Pongal festive release.
On this occasion, the film team met members of the press and media today and shared their experiences about the film.
Art Director Kiran spoke:
Director Nalan, whom I admire a lot, gave me the opportunity to work in his second film. He asked me to work as the art director for this project. When I first heard the story, I wondered how Karthi would fit into this role. I am a Rajinikanth fan, and my mother is an MGR fan. When I saw Karthi on the shooting set, his face perfectly matched MGR’s photographs. At that moment itself, I told Nalan that this film would become a big success. This film will surely captivate all of you. Thank you.
Actor GM Sundar spoke:
I am not worthy of speaking about MGR, especially in front of someone like Sathyaraj sir, who is an ardent fan of MGR. I am always afraid of saying something incorrect about him. I really like Karthi’s smile. Bringing an iconic image back to the screen is extremely difficult. Karthi has done a lot of homework to play MGR. His body language is excellent. My congratulations to him. Only when one works with full dedication and honesty can such performances come out. Karthi has done a fantastic job. Welcome to Tamil cinema, Krithi Shetty. I studied at the Film Institute with Anand Raj, and acting with him was a pleasure. Just like in Kaadhalum Kadanthu Pogum, director Nalan has given me a meaningful role in this film too. Thanks to him. The producer Gnanavel sir and the entire team have worked extremely hard to bring this film as a Pongal release. I truly believe this film will be a massive success.
Actress Shilpa Manjunath spoke:
My heartfelt thanks to director Nalan Kumarasamy for giving me the character of Malini. When a story is written, every character has an arc, and as an actress, I too want an arc—an opportunity to explore different kinds of roles. That is why I took this risk in this film, and it made me very happy. That is why Malini has become such a strong character. The efforts and hard work of the producer and director deserve special appreciation. This film went through many challenges. If the film has reached such a grand stage today, the credit goes entirely to them. I thank the entire team. I choose films for a reason, and this is a star-driven festival film. Pongal releases in Tamil Nadu are like a grand celebration, and selecting such a film is not easy. But I truly believe this film has turned out very well. Please watch and support the film. Thank you.
Actor Anand Raj spoke:
This is a very good film, and you will realize it once you watch it. The film releases tomorrow, on an auspicious day and time—Bhogi festival. Bhogi symbolizes burning the old and beginning something new. Similarly, Vaa Vaathiyaar represents a fresh beginning. This morning, Karthi sir, Sathyaraj sir, and I visited the memorial of revolutionary leader MGR. Paying our respects there gave us immense peace and satisfaction. It is an honor for me to bring this film to you. Please support this film as a tribute to MGR. We are confident it will be a big success. Karthi learned many things from seniors like Sathyaraj sir. Director Nalan is an experienced and accomplished filmmaker. The moment he narrated the story, I immediately agreed. If you wish to see MGR on screen again, please watch this film. Thank you.
Actor Sathyaraj spoke:
Talking about MGR itself is a separate story altogether. I want to mention something about producer Gnanavel Raja. His father was a hardcore MGR fan and had watched Nadodi Mannan more than 110 times. It makes me happy that such a producer has made this film. Karthi’s debut itself was challenging, but this role is even more difficult because it is associated with a legendary leader. Beyond that, Karthi has brilliantly captured MGR’s body language. Krithi Shetty, Shilpa, Anand Raj, Sundar—everyone has performed exceptionally well. Years ago, when I came from Coimbatore, I altered my teeth on Sivakumar sir’s suggestion, but for this film, Nalan wanted a different look and made me wear artificial teeth. I play the villain in this film. Just like MGR’s classic Pongal releases, Vaa Vaathiyaar arrives this Pongal. Celebrate it. Thank you.
Actress Krithi Shetty spoke:
In an interview, Nalan sir said this is a festival film meant for families to watch together—and that has truly happened. This film has become one that families and friends can enjoy together. I’m very happy about that. Many asked me about the film’s delay, and I was initially disappointed too. But I believe that good things take time and happen at the right moment. I thank Nalan sir and Gnanavel sir for including me in this film. I have personally witnessed how hard Nalan sir worked for this film. I’m eager to see his success. I am a huge fan of Karthi sir, and after meeting him, my admiration has grown even more. This role is big, and no one could have done it better than him. He is a wonderful human being, which reflects in his characters. Santhosh Narayanan’s music is a huge strength. Thanks to the entire team. Thank you.
Producer Gnanavel Raja spoke:
Some films did not do well, and negative news spread about me. But I am still standing strong. People say I have huge debts, but I am the only producer in the industry with no debts. I am doing well. I want to thank Suriya anna for always standing by me. I thank KVN anna for his immense support, PEN Movies’ Jayantilal Gada sir, Shakthi Films Shakthivelan, and many other friends. Everyone has delivered outstanding performances. The film’s runtime is just 2 hours and 9 minutes—it flies like fire. The film will definitely be loved by everyone. Thank you.
Actor Karthi spoke:
We planned to release this film with a grand celebration last year, but it got postponed. My first film and even my next film were delayed too, so delays are nothing new to me. I always told Gnanavel Raja sir to take care of his health. My father used to say that every grain of rice has a name written on it—only those meant to receive it will. The same applies to cinema; every frame reaches the person it is destined for. I owe gratitude to many people, especially my brother Suriya. Without his support, this release wouldn’t have been possible. I thank the financiers, distributors, exhibitors, technicians, and workers who worked sleeplessly for 48–50 hours to bring this film to theaters. Nalan sir is a director loved by both audiences and artists. When he introduced this concept, I was scared. I did not undergo special training; I learned on set. I repeatedly watched MGR’s films and close-ups, wondering how to bring that essence into my face. It was frightening, but with the support of Nalan, cinematographer George, and the entire team, it became possible. Santhosh Narayanan’s music has elevated the film. MGR was a hero not just on screen but in real life. Making a modern commercial film inspired by him is a huge achievement. We visited his memorial this morning, and I strongly believe his blessings are with us. This is a fun film that families and children can enjoy together. I wish all Pongal releases great success. Thank you.
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The film stars Karthi in the lead, alongside Sathyaraj, Rajkiran, Krithi Shetty, GM Sundar, Shilpa Manjunath, Anand Raj, Karunakaran, Ramesh Thilak, PL Thenappan, and many others.
Cinematography is by George Williams, music by Santhosh Narayanan, art direction by TRK Kiran, editing by Vetri, and action choreography by Anl Arasu.
Produced on a grand scale by K.E. Gnanavel Raja under Studio Green,
“Vaa Vaathiyaar” releases worldwide in theatres on January 14, as a Pongal celebration.
