Nayanthara and Kavin’s first collaboration, ‘Hi’, which released in theatres on August 28, has been receiving tremendous appreciation from audiences and critics and is running successfully in theatres. Expressing their gratitude for the love and support the film has received, the film’s team met members of the press and media and thanked them for their continued support.
Producer S. S. Lalit Kumar said:
“First of all, my heartfelt thanks to all our friends from the press and media. Without you, it is not possible to take a film to the people in the right manner. Thank you very much for the continuous support you have extended to ‘Hi’ as well. When we were making this film, many people asked why we were producing a film like this after working on big films. We made this film with the intention of giving audiences a good story and a good film. The response we are receiving today gives us immense happiness.
“I share a very close relationship with everyone on this stage. In particular, I can never forget the affection Prabhu sir showed during the shoot. Even before coming to the Thoothukudi schedule, he contacted me and affectionately said, ‘Brother, don’t eat anything. I’ll bring food from home. You have to eat with me.’ I am extremely grateful for the love and affection he showed without expecting anything in return. I have had arguments with him over many things, but the love that exists in that relationship is much greater.
“I share a family-like relationship with Philomin. I have worked with him on four films so far, so there is a special closeness when it comes to speaking about him. I would like to thank all the actors and technicians who worked hard for this film. Everyone’s contribution has been important to this success.
“Vishnu has a very unique way of narrating a story. When he describes a story, we can completely experience the emotions of that story. When he first narrated this story to me, the emotion of it impressed me greatly. I am happy that he has now transformed that story into a good film and brought it to audiences. My heartfelt thanks to Vishnu and to all the actors and technicians who worked on this film.”
Cinematographer Rajesh Shukla said:
“Thank you, everyone. I would like to thank the team for showing me so much love and care throughout the shoot, and also for the wonderful food and gifts. I am grateful to the entire team for giving me the opportunity to work on this film.
“Working with director Vishnu was a very happy experience. When he first narrated the story to me, I immediately felt that he would make a special film. I am happy that that belief has become a reality today. I affectionately call Vishnu ‘Thalapathy’. My thanks to everyone for this opportunity and for the love shown by the entire team.”
Music Director Jen Martin said:
“Thank you, everyone. This is my fourth film with director Vishnu and actor Kavin. Kavin has been my friend since our school days. During our school days, we used to say, ‘You will become an actor and I will become a music composer.’ Coming from those conversations in school to this moment today is extremely happy and emotional for me. It feels as though our dream has come true.
“I am extremely happy that this film has become a success. Since this is my fourth film with Kavin, I hope I have lived up to the trust he has placed in me to some extent. I also hope audiences have enjoyed the music of the film. Once again, thank you to everyone.”
Actress Amrutha Srinivasan said:
“I did not expect that I would be called on stage to speak. My thanks to all the media friends. It is a great happiness and privilege for me to stand in front of senior artists such as Prabhu sir, Radhika ma’am and Suhasini ma’am.
“‘Hi’ is truly a beautiful feel-good film. Films like this are eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by Tamil cinema audiences. Only when people from every department — music, editing, direction, story and others — come together and contribute can a complete film like this be created.
“Director Vishnu has carefully and beautifully crafted every frame. When I came out after watching the film, I had a very happy feeling. I hope audiences experience the same. I request audiences to continue supporting the film in the coming weeks as well.
“My heartfelt thanks to Lalit sir, Philomin Raj sir, Jen Martin sir and everyone else who worked to make this film special.”
Actor Qureshi said:
“Usually, I have welcomed actors at many events as a host. But standing on this stage today as an actor makes me extremely happy. I thank the team for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to play the friend character in this film. My special thanks to Kavin anna.
“Director Vishnu is a very good person. Whether it is rain, a storm or floods, he has the ability to face every challenge and turn it into a success. It was a very happy experience working with him on this journey.
“Working with senior artistes such as Prabhu sir and Radhika ma’am was an unforgettable experience. Prabhu sir, in particular, treated me very naturally and affectionately. Without making me feel any hesitation as a newcomer, he would come and speak to me himself and enquire about me with affection. Those moments I shared with him will always remain unforgettable.
“I had already worked with Radhika ma’am at an event. Working alongside her in this film was also a very happy experience. She is extremely lively and has a great sense of humour, often teasing us and making us laugh.
“Working with Jen Martin and the entire team was also a wonderful experience. My thanks to everyone who worked on the film. I wish to act in many more films in the future. I believe I still have many more talents within me. So, I request everyone to continue giving me opportunities and supporting me.”
Actress Kavya said:
“The love and response ‘Hi’ has been receiving from audiences makes me extremely happy. Standing on this stage today is a very valuable moment for me.
“During my college days, I used to look at Radhika ma’am and dream of becoming a great actress like her. Sharing the screen with her today is truly a dream come true for me.
“I sincerely thank the film team for trusting me with the role of Maithili and the audiences who have shown so much love to the character. This is only the beginning of my journey. I hope to continue playing good characters and earn the love of audiences.”
Director Vishnu Edavan said:
“Since ‘Hi’ is my first film, standing on this stage as a director is an extremely happy and emotional moment for me. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave me an opportunity, trusted me and helped me make this film.
“I will always remain grateful to those who helped me establish myself during the early stages of my journey in cinema and to those who have continuously encouraged and supported me.
“Every actor in this film trusted me and gave their complete cooperation. From senior artistes to young actors, everyone brought their respective characters to life beautifully. My heartfelt thanks to Sathyan sir, Qureshi, Akshay Kumar, Amrutha, Kavya and everyone else. Working with such talented actors in my very first film is a matter of great pride for me.
“My friendship with music composer Jen Martin goes back to our school days. Even then, we used to say, ‘I will become a director and you will become a music composer.’ Today, the fact that he has composed the music for my first film is an extremely emotional and happy moment for me.
“Likewise, cinematographer Rajesh Shukla, editor Philomin Raj and all the other technicians were great strengths for this film. Without their contribution, I would have been completely lost.
“My heartfelt thanks to producers Vignesh Shivan anna, Nayanthara ma’am, S. S. Lalit Kumar sir and all the producers who gave me an opportunity, trusted me and stood behind this film.
“From the beginning of the shoot until the film’s release and success, many people supported me in different ways. This success does not belong only to me; it belongs to every person who believed in me and joined me on this journey. My heartfelt thanks to everyone.”
Actress Radhika Sarathkumar said:
“First of all, my heartfelt wishes to the entire ‘Hi’ team. In today’s circumstances, it is very challenging for a film to run successfully. My appreciation to the team that created this film amid various challenges, took it to audiences and achieved success. I am happy that director Vishnu has overcome many challenges and achieved this success.
“Although I have not watched the film yet, many people who have seen it have told me that they enjoyed it tremendously and found it to be an emotional experience.
“My experience of working with Bhagyaraj sir was very pleasant. Although he is humorous and easy-going, he also offers many wonderful suggestions based on his experience.
“Likewise, Prabhu sir is one of my favourite co-stars. The hospitality of his family and their love for cinema have always been special.
“When I watched Kavin’s ‘Dada’, I felt that he had a very bright future. My best wishes to him for the success of ‘Hi’ and for his journey ahead.
“My best wishes to Vishnu as well, for his success and for this new chapter in his life. I am also extremely happy about the success of Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara.
“Nayanthara may appear soft on the outside, but she is extremely strong mentally and physically. Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to everyone in the team for this success.”
Actress Suhasini said:
“Although I had only one scene in ‘Hi’, I was happy to be part of it. My heartfelt wishes to director Vishnu. This is only the beginning of his journey.
“He may have faced many challenges right from the beginning, but I wish that he overcomes all of them and that his journey ahead continues to be even more fulfilling and happy.
“Everyone has worked extremely hard for this film. It is very satisfying to see the rewards of that hard work today.
“For the past two days, I have been hearing many people speak positively about ‘Hi’. You all deserve this success. Such happy moments do not come often in life. So, enjoy and celebrate this success to the fullest.
“My heartfelt wishes to the entire team.”
Actor Prabhu said:
“‘Hi’ has a wonderful team. It was a very happy experience working with everyone on this film. I thank director Vishnu for giving me a good character and the opportunity to be part of this film.
“My thanks to producer Lalit Kumar sir and to Nayanthara for calling me and giving me this opportunity. The entire shoot took place in a very happy atmosphere. The moments I spent with Bhagyaraj sir are also unforgettable.
“Kavin has performed extremely well in this film. He has a lot of talent and the potential for a great future. He should continue to grow and achieve even more.
“Jen Martin’s music has also been a major strength for the film. Everyone in the team has done their job extremely well. The positive reviews and response that ‘Hi’ is receiving are very happy and encouraging.
“The entire team worked extremely hard. Vishnu, in particular, faced many challenges during the shoot. At times he would smile, and at other times he would be under pressure. But it is very satisfying to see him happy today because of this success.
“Members of the press and media have also been continuously extending positive support to the film. I wish ‘Hi’ an even bigger success with this momentum. Once again, my thanks to everyone who worked on this film.”
Actor Kavin said:
“First of all, a very big thank you to everyone. The support you have given to ‘Hi’, which released at the end of the month, has given us a feeling of both surprise and happiness.
“Several good films have been releasing recently and receiving a positive response, so there was a little nervousness about how much support audiences would give ‘Hi’. But now, when we visit theatres in different towns, we can see audiences enjoying the film enthusiastically. My heartfelt thanks to everyone for that.
“Now that a new month has begun, after taking care of all your family expenses, if you spend the time and money you set aside for entertainment this weekend on ‘Hi’, I can confidently say that you will return home with a heart full of happiness.
“When we see audiences laughing, enjoying themselves and getting emotional during certain scenes in theatres, it gives us the satisfaction that the purpose with which we made this film has been fulfilled.
“We created this film in a simple and beautiful manner, with entertainment elements, with the intention that families could sit together, forget their worries and enjoy themselves.
“Director Vishnu’s journey has been very special. Usually, people say that a person’s life changes only when a film becomes successful. But the journey of ‘Hi’ and Vishnu’s personal journey happened simultaneously.
“When the film began, preparations for his wedding were also taking place. While the shoot was happening on one side, he was also preparing for an important chapter in his personal life.
“The shoot began very quickly, but due to various reasons, it eventually became a long journey. Today, seeing the film succeed and everyone coming together to celebrate it is extremely satisfying.
“I have always believed that the journey towards a goal is more important than reaching the goal itself. Whether a film succeeds or fails is only one phase. But the people we meet during that journey, the people who stand by us and support us, are the real strength that stays with us throughout our lives. In that sense, the journey of ‘Hi’ has been a beautiful experience for me.
“After hearing the story, I told Vishnu that the actors he had envisioned for each character should play those roles. I could not imagine anyone other than Radhika ma’am, Prabhu sir, Suhasini ma’am and Bhagyaraj sir in those characters. I felt even then that the story would gain its complete strength only with those actors.
“Today, seeing all those members of the team sitting together and sharing the success of this film makes me extremely happy.
“Finally, my heartfelt thanks to all the press and media friends who helped bring us this success.”
About the Film
Directed by debutant Vishnu Edavan, ‘Hi’ features Nayanthara, Kavin, K. Bhagyaraj, Prabhu, Radhika Sarathkumar, VTV Ganesh, Sathyan, ‘Adithya’ Kathir, Qureshi and several others in important roles.
Rajesh Shukla is the cinematographer, while Jen Martin has composed the music. Philomin Raj has handled the editing and S. Kannan has taken care of the art direction.
Released as a family entertainer, the film has been jointly produced by Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan and S. S. Lalit Kumar under the banners of Zee Studios, The Rowdy Pictures and Seven Screen Studio.
Vinoth C. J. and K. S. Mayilvaganan have served as co-producers, while V. K. Kubendran has worked as the creative producer.
Released worldwide on August 28, ‘Hi’ is currently running successfully in theatres with packed shows and an enthusiastic response from audiences.
