Produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja for Studio Green and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, the film “Vaa Vaathiyaar” stars leading actor Karthi.
As the film is set to release on December 12, the team held a grand pre-release event with media friends.
Actress Shilpa said:
“Vaa Vaathiyaar is a unique film by Nalan Kumarasamy sir. Since childhood, we are inspired by films, and this one conveys the right message in the right way.
Acting with Sathyaraj sir was a sweet experience—he would appear instantly when a shot was called. I learned a lot from him.
Working with Karthi was a joy; no one else could have played this role like him—he has nailed it.
I welcome Keerthi to Tamil cinema. Thanks to Studio Green for making this project beautifully. I am grateful for this opportunity.”
Stunt Master Anl Arasu said:
“This film is special to me. My father told me a lot about MGR. I couldn’t work with him in that era, but this film fulfilled that dream.
There are many surprises in the film which I can’t reveal.
Even if I come prepared, Karthi sir would come after asking everything to his father—he worked very hard.
I am happy to have worked on this film. I pray it becomes a big success.”
Actor G. M. Sundar said:
“I know how much I struggled to get on stages like this.
The Vaathiyaar (MGR) is in this film; nothing more needs to be said. Sathyaraj sir always talks about him.
Karthi sir has portrayed the body language and expressions exactly.
This is my second film under Gnanavel sir’s production.
Nalan gave me my second innings through ‘Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum’.
Thanks to Sathyaraj sir for recommending me to Bharathiraja.
Best wishes to the entire team.”
Actress Pallavi Singh said:
“Working on Vaa Vaathiyaar was a great experience.
Everyone asked me how it was to work with Nalan sir—he gave me complete freedom to try new things.
This film is a collective effort. Please watch it and let us know your thoughts. Thank you.”
Actor Anandaraj said:
“Karthi sir accepted this story mainly because his brother Sivakumar, who was close to MGR, would have encouraged him—my thanks to him.
I have a special character, but I won’t reveal it.
Sathyaraj sir gave me a curl wig used by MGR and asked me to return it after the shoot—but I couldn’t even lift it! Only then did I understand MGR’s stamina.
Karthi is an excellent actor; I have many scenes with him.
The film will make Tamil cinema look back proudly.”
Actor Sathyaraj said:
“Many MGR fans are here today.
I’m happy that our family’s child, Karthi, plays MGR.
I’m a hardcore MGR fan, but Anandraj is acting as a fan in the film!
If he says MGR dialogues, he might reveal the whole plot!”
(He jokingly teased Anandraj with MGR dialogue references.)
“I am a fierce fan of MGR—always one revolutionary leader for me.
If anyone else had played this role, I would have been irritated.
But Karthi has done it wonderfully. The audience will surely love the film.”
Music Director Santhosh Narayanan said:
“One of my most beautiful cinematic moments is meeting Nalan and Srinivas Kavin.
When the film was announced, I begged for the opportunity to compose music.
MGR is a real-life superhero, and we’ve brought his spirit to the screen.
Sathyaraj sir acting in the film is an honour for me.
This film will open a new door for commercial cinema.
It will be a big success.”
Think Music representative Santhosh said:
“We joined this film from the beginning.
We were part of Nalan’s ‘Soodhu Kavvum’ which was a blockbuster album.
Similarly, the songs of this film will also succeed.
The film looks great.”
Sakthivelan of Sakthivel Film Factory said:
“Karthi sir has given many turning points in my theatrical career—out of his 27 films, I’ve distributed almost 15.
He pays great attention even to the smallest details.
Knowing his dedication, I can imagine how much effort he put into playing MGR.
Gnanavel’s father was a hardcore MGR fan, and this film carries that emotion.
Nalan’s films become cult classics—Vaa Vaathiyaar will be declared a cult film the very next day after release.
I believe it will be the biggest hit of the year.”
Director R. Ravikumar said:
“I worked with Nalan sir during Soodhu Kavvum.
He taught me how to behave with humility.
I have already watched Vaa Vaathiyaar, and I told him that Karthi looks exactly like MGR.
If a biopic on MGR is made, the perfect actor is Karthi.
The film is excellent.”
Producer K. E. Gnanavel Raja said:
“This film was extremely difficult to make because the story itself is challenging to narrate.
Nalan has handled it beautifully.
Some people felt playing ‘Meiyazhagan’ would be tough for Karthi sir, but he delivered it perfectly—and in this film too, he has performed brilliantly.
Fans will love it.
With the blessings of Vaathiyaar (MGR), the film will succeed.”
Actress Krithi Shetty said:
“I am happy to be introduced to Tamil audiences through this film.
I learned a lot.
Once, while doing double shifts, I fell asleep on set—but the team quietly adjusted the lights so they wouldn’t wake me.
Nalan sir taught me many things; he notices even the smallest details.
I’m a big fan of Sathyaraj sir, though I don’t have scenes with him.
Many in my family are fans of Sivakumar sir.
I’m a big fan of Karthi sir too—I kept bothering him during shooting!
It’s a dream come true to act with him.”
Director Nalan Kumarasamy said:
“People are saying I am making a film after 9 years, but you should actually be scared—why is he coming back after so long?
During Soodhu Kavvum, many asked why I chose that title.
I had promised then that I would make a film where dharma (justice) wins—that film is Vaa Vaathiyaar.
This film is my tribute to MGR.
Karthi has perfectly fit into the character.
The film will be loved by all.”
Actor Karthi said:
“After making a film about the struggles of dharma in Soodhu Kavvum, Nalan has now made a film where dharma wins.
Many directors are fans of Nalan—everyone asks me excitedly if I’m working with him.
Vaa Vaathiyaar’s story was frightening at first.
But when you succeed, people still talk about your failures—so I decided to take the challenge.
Working on this film revealed MGR’s greatness to me.
His morality, discipline, and influence on people are unbelievable.
This film is dedicated to his fans.
Nalan has researched deeply to make this film.
This movie will make Tamil cinema proud.
May it bring huge success to Gnanavel sir.”
The Film
Karthi plays the lead role, and the cast includes:
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Sathyaraj
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Rajkiran
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Krithi Shetty
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G. M. Sundar
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Shilpa Manjunath
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Anandaraj
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Karunakaran
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Ramesh Thilak
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P. L. Thenappan
and others.
Cinematography: George Williams
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Art Direction: T. R. K. Kiran
Editing: Vetri
Stunts: Anl Arasu
.
