The film’s music was jointly launched by Taka Hasi, Deputy Consul General of Japan in Chennai, and film producer Aditya Ram. Producer Kannan Ravi received the audio launch materials.
Directed by debutant Thanjai JPR, American Aavi features actor Napoleon in the lead role, alongside more than 200 newcomers living in the United States. Prabhu, popularly known as Nash Will Prabhu, has handled the cinematography, while Aadhish Uthriyan has composed the music. Vinu is in charge of editing, and Indhu Rajkumar has served as the art director.
Produced as a comedy-horror thriller, the film is jointly produced by Dhanush Napoleon and Kunal Napoleon under the Jeevan Films banner.
The makers take pride in presenting it as the first Tamil film to be shot entirely in the United States. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release soon. The audio and trailer launch event took place at the Kamala Theatre complex in Chennai, with members of the film crew and several prominent personalities from the Tamil film industry attending as special guests.
Producer Kunal Napoleon’s Speech
Speaking at the event, producer Kunal Napoleon said:
“If I have to describe this film, I would say it is something different. This is the first Tamil film to have been shot entirely in America. I was amazed to discover the immense talent hidden among our people living in the United States.
This is no small achievement. Everyone worked on this film during the limited free time they had after attending to their regular jobs. Thinking about their dedication makes all of us proud.
Let me also explain the title, American Aavi. When we hear the word ‘Aavi’, we usually think of ghosts, and ghosts are indeed part of this film. At the same time, the word has another significance in the American context.
People from many countries have immigrated to America. Many of them have achieved success through their determination and hard work. They are people who constantly strive towards success and accomplish their goals through perseverance. Characters representing this aspect are also part of our film.
So, this movie has ghosts and spirits, along with several other interesting elements.
There is another interesting aspect to this film. Dhanush Napoleon is the co-producer. To tell you the truth, he is actually my boss! He could not attend this event in person, but he is watching it live.
He has sent a message to audiences asking everyone to visit theatres with their families and enjoy the film. It is our responsibility to make this movie a success.”
Actor Napoleon’s Speech
Actor Napoleon said:
“Approximately 200 newcomers have made their debut in this film. They include Anto, Dhiyan, Arloo, Prema, Biju, Mahesh, Bablu, Arun Antony, Sam Anto, Prakash, Aishwarya, Rajkumar, Indhu Rajkumar, Rahul, Hemamalini, Urvashi and Maithili, among many others. Only a few of them have been able to attend this event.
Everyone who acted in this film is a software engineer, doctor, scientist, professor or professional working in a senior position at a major organisation. We made this film in just 75 days by carefully utilising the time they could spare for us.
From Monday to Friday, they are all extremely busy with their professional commitments. We planned the shooting schedules carefully and conducted filming during the time they were able to allocate.
It was certainly a challenging task. Many of the people who acted in this film had never even watched a film shoot in person before coming to America. The director and I trained them and helped them perform their roles.
In the film Bharatha Vilas, starring Sivaji Ganesan, people representing different parts of India appeared together. In our film, people from across the world have come together. Participants from more than 40 countries have acted in this movie. That makes it truly unique. At the same time, it will be thoroughly entertaining.
When Sun TV began its live telecast in 1994, director Pandiarajan and I travelled to Manila in the Philippines to inaugurate the broadcast. The close friendship we developed that day continues to this day.
I thank him for attending this event and extending his wishes to our team. I also thank everyone who came here to support us.”
Debut Actor Mahesh’s Speech
Mahesh, one of the debut actors, said:
“In January, Napoleon sir asked all of us to come dressed in a particular outfit. We thought an audition was going to take place. But he told us that there would be no auditions and that we could all act in the film.
After that, Napoleon sir taught everyone how to act. Watching him perform scenes for us as a demonstration was an unforgettable experience.
We also had the opportunity to observe and appreciate the various technical aspects involved in making a film.
Interestingly, my own mother played Napoleon sir’s mother in the movie. That makes me very proud. We are all eagerly waiting to watch the film.”
Director Thanjai JPR’s Speech
Director Thanjai JPR recalled his early fascination with cinema:
“When I was just nine years old, I used to take old film reels and project images onto a wall using sunlight. That was how my interest in film direction began.
Later, I produced and directed a film titled Onaigal Jaakirathai. Subsequently, due to family circumstances, I settled in America.
I was worried that living there might sever my connection with cinema. Therefore, I continued writing stories even after moving abroad.
During this period, I had an opportunity to meet Napoleon. I narrated a story to him, and he liked it very much. However, he told me that he could not leave Dhanush and come out to act in films.
He then asked whether we could make a film entirely in America and whether I had a suitable story.
After lunch, he showed me the house he had recently purchased. It was a magnificent property spread across three and a half acres. Surrounded by trees, the house looked as though it belonged in an English-language movie.
He asked whether I could develop a story centred around that house. I told him I could and returned a week later with a story. He liked it very much but insisted that it should not be a conventional horror film. He wanted a horror movie blended with comedy.
We then developed the story together. Napoleon and his sons, Kunal and Dhanush, worked with me to shape it into an entertaining screenplay.
I thank all the technicians, actors and actresses who worked on this film.”
Cinematographer Nash Will Prabhu’s Speech
Cinematographer Nash Will Prabhu, whose full name is Prabhu Thoppudu Amaresan, said:
“I would like to thank my grandfather, T. S. Amaresan, who directed stage plays featuring R. S. Manohar. He passed away in the 1920s. If he were alive today, he would have been extremely happy to see me.
In Chennai, I shared a room with cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa and filmmaker Arivazhagan, who are now well-known in the industry. Through that experience, I became familiar with camera lenses, lighting and other technical aspects.
After moving to America, I began filming small events. That was when I met Napoleon. I subsequently worked as a cameraman at various family functions.
Later, I filmed Dhanush’s wedding in Japan. Napoleon gradually encouraged me, helped me develop my skills and introduced me as a cinematographer. I am grateful to him for that opportunity.”
FEFSI President R. K. Selvamani’s Speech
Director R. K. Selvamani, president of the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), said:
“Watching this film in a theatre reminded me of My Dear Kuttichathaan. I have already watched the movie.
Introducing one newcomer in a film is relatively easy. However, introducing an entire cast of newcomers and teaching all of them how to act is an extraordinarily difficult task.
The filmmakers gave everyone confidence on the shooting floor and brought out their acting abilities. In particular, everyone performed the dance sequences in rhythm and in unison. This demonstrated their enthusiasm for acting. I would like to thank dance choreographer Kala Master for her contribution.
Napoleon is someone who believes that whatever work he undertakes must be done properly. Whether as an actor, a politician or the president of an association, he always strives to perform his responsibilities well. He is a genuinely good human being.
The film’s heroine is a doctor in America, and the shooting took place at her house. She participated in filming during her free time, while the crew waited for her availability.
The climax features an impressive action sequence choreographed by stunt director P. C. Stunt.
I believe this film will achieve great success.”
Roja Selvamani’s Speech
Mrs. Roja Selvamani said:
“I acted alongside Napoleon in the film Veettoda Maappillai, directed by V. Sekar. He is my co-star, and no matter how much I say about him, it will never be enough.
He is a good artist, a good politician, a good businessman, a good father and, above all, a wonderful human being.
As a fellow actor, I am delighted to see Napoleon return to the screen after a long time.
I have also resumed acting after a gap of 12 years. Once an artist becomes accustomed to the audience, cameras and shooting locations, giving all of that up can be difficult. Despite our family responsibilities, returning to films for the sake of our fans and our love for art makes us happy.
Napoleon is returning to audiences with a good story, and we should all support him. Everyone should help make this film successful through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media promotion.
My daughter and I are usually frightened of horror films. Nevertheless, we watched this movie and enjoyed it.”
Actor Nassar’s Speech
Actor Nassar said:
“My journey with Napoleon began with the film Kizhakkum Merkkum, and our association has continued for more than 30 years.
During that film, we spent almost 30 days together. Napoleon was the same person then as he is today. He has lived the life he planned for himself, and I am extremely proud of him for that.
Some titles and reputations are difficult to earn. Through hard work, a person can become wealthy, and through dedicated acting, someone can become a superstar. But when people speak about Napoleon, they naturally add the word ‘good’ before describing him. Not everyone earns that kind of reputation.
When my son met with an accident, Napoleon was one of the people who gave me immense emotional support. His reputation as a good person is shared by his wife as well.
On behalf of the South Indian Artistes’ Association, I express my heartfelt gratitude to him. When the association needed support for its building, he voluntarily contributed ₹1 crore as a deposit without anyone having to ask him.
In the trailer, Napoleon looks remarkably youthful.
I recently wrote an article for a magazine about children’s films in India. The percentage of films made specifically for children is extremely low. We have not created enough films for young audiences.
I believe this movie could be a film for children and families. I request children to bring their parents along and enjoy the movie.
My thanks to Nash Will Prabhu and everyone who travelled here to participate in this event.”
Producer T. Siva’s Speech
Producer T. Siva said:
“From the very beginning of his acting career, Napoleon earned a reputation not only as a good actor but also as a good human being. He found a place in everyone’s hearts.
When he served as vice-president of the actors’ association, he worked extremely hard for its activities. Whatever responsibility he undertakes, he approaches it like a disciplined soldier.
I have watched this film, and it certainly has plenty of entertainment. I believe it has the potential to become a successful commercial film.
Napoleon was also the first person to contribute to the construction of FEFSI’s building. The film industry should organise a special felicitation ceremony to honour him.
In my experience in the film industry, two of the genuinely good people I have known are Vijayakanth and Napoleon.
Thank you all.”
Dance Choreographer Kala Master’s Speech
Kala Master said:
“Only three songs were screened at this event, but there are several more songs in the film.
No matter how much Napoleon and I taught them, I am grateful that everyone learned the steps and performed them so well.
Napoleon has been a close family friend of mine for 30 years. He has contributed financially not only to the actors’ association but also to our dance choreographers’ association.
As Nassar and producer Siva mentioned, Napoleon is a wonderful human being. His wife, Sudha, is equally kind. I have known her since the time of their marriage, and she has always been cheerful.
This is not merely a film about ghosts. It is a beautiful family entertainer.
I am confident that the film will become a superhit.”
Music Director Aadhish Uthriyan’s Speech
Music director Aadhish Uthriyan said:
“Through director JPR, I had the opportunity to meet Napoleon and compose music for this film. This movie is a milestone in my career as a film music composer.
The film features five songs.
Thank you to everyone who gave me this opportunity.”
Lyricist Snehan’s Speech
Lyricist Snehan said:
“This stage is a celebration of immense affection and love. I could speak about Napoleon for hours.
I have shared a great deal of information with him through WhatsApp, and I feel a bond with him similar to that of a biological brother.
I am delighted to have played a small part in a film created by such wonderful people working together.
I look forward to another opportunity to celebrate and appreciate him. Thank you all.”
Director R. V. Udayakumar’s Speech
Director R. V. Udayakumar recalled how he introduced Napoleon to a memorable role in Ejamaan:
“When Napoleon was acting in Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu, I was directing Urudhi Mozhi. Cinematographer Ravi Yadav introduced me to a tall, slim man and said, ‘This is Kumaresan.’
I promised him then that I would cast him as a major villain in a film.
Later, I cast him in Ejamaan, although I had to fight hard to get the role approved. Even Rajinikanth sir initially felt that Napoleon should not play that character.
I explained why Napoleon was the right choice for the role. Once Rajinikanth sir heard my reasoning, he acknowledged that the idea was new. I made several changes to the story to accommodate Napoleon.
One of the dialogues he delivered in that film, beginning with a reference to a wedding house and the groom, remains popular even today.
Unfortunately, I had the opportunity to work with him in only that one film, but it was a satisfying experience.
Coming to American Aavi, the team has not revealed who the ghost is! In the film’s poster, Napoleon looks like Clint Eastwood.
We have heard of all kinds of ghosts: old ghosts, good ghosts, evil ghosts, young ghosts, ghosts of people who died in accidents, ghosts of people who died after heartbreak, and even ghosts of people who died without being able to buy a house.
I do not know which of these is the ‘American ghost’. Whatever kind of ghost it turns out to be, I am sure Napoleon will present us with a memorable one.
I wish the film great success.”
About the film: American Aavi is a comedy-horror thriller featuring Napoleon and more than 200 newcomers from the United States and other countries. Shot entirely in America, the film brings together people from diverse professional backgrounds and more than 40 countries. The makers plan to release it in theatres worldwide soon.
