Directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan and starring Vijay Sethupathi and Lijomol Jose in the lead roles, baththa was released in theatres on October 1 and is running successfully. The film has received a positive response both critically and commercially. To celebrate its success, the film’s team met with members of the press.
Speaking about the film’s success, Vijay Sethupathi said:
“I feel like I have a fever right now. Whenever I am extremely happy, I tend to get a fever. There are so many people I need to thank that I don’t know where to begin.
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank all the members of the press and media for taking this film this far. When you make a film, show it to you and then wait for your response, it feels like sending your wife to the hospital for delivery and anxiously waiting outside.
When all of you come here with smiling faces, it feels as though our entire garden is filled with flowers. We come here happily and celebrate together. It made me very happy when you stood by us, appreciated the film, shook our hands and hugged us.
Thank you to the people and the fans. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has embraced and celebrated this film as though it were their own.
Once you like something, you carry it forward. No matter what someone says about it, you defend it. You take it across all social media platforms. When you celebrate a film as if it were your own, it makes us incredibly happy. Seeing people like this reminds us that our lives are truly a blessing.
Other producers did not believe in this story. Atlee was the one who believed in it. Cinema is a business, and I am not saying that as a criticism. They asked several questions about the director—what was his previous film and what business had it done? But all three films he directed were wonderful: Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, Seethakaathi and now baththa
I once wanted to act in Oru Pakka Kadhai. But the director looked at my face and said I should play a college student. If he had looked at me a little longer, he might have agreed! That is why I couldn’t do it.
Initially, Seethakaathi wasn’t accepted as a project with me. They said it was a story that should be done by actors such as Kamal sir, Amitabh sir or Mohanlal sir. But I acted in it anyway. Even if the dogs on the street are beautiful, we don’t always acknowledge them. We tend to prefer a German Shepherd.
Beating up lots of people and having huge crowds are things you usually see in big-budget films. But baththa is a film that speaks what is in the heart. It is a film about emotions.
I like children. But during the shoot, I deliberately didn’t interact much with the little boy Sai or become too friendly with him because he had to act as though he was afraid of me. I was afraid that if we became too comfortable with each other, that would change. He has acted very well.
This film has brought him a lot of attention. I hope he doesn’t get distracted or lose his direction. I would tell him to study well.
Lijomol’s contribution was excellent. Thank you. My brothers Hari, Jothi, Vishnu and Bala, thank you as well. You have all done a wonderful job.
I initially had some doubts about Sai Abhyankkar. But he understood the film and worked accordingly. Everyone involved understood the story and worked with that understanding. Thank you to everyone.”
Lijomol Jose
Actress Lijomol Jose said:
“I was extremely nervous at the audio launch of this film. Now that nervousness has gone down. I am very thankful to the audience who have accepted this film and especially to those who accepted me as Kanima. I am very happy.
First, I would like to thank producer Atlee. I also thank the other producers. Every department that worked on this film has given its best, and everyone deserves appreciation.
I am proud to have been part of this film. From the shoot to the dubbing, the director patiently explained everything to me and got the best out of me. Thank you for his patience.
I am actually scared just by looking at Vijay Sethupathi sir! But being around him feels like experiencing magic. I feel proud that I was able to be part of and witness that magic.
I was amazed by the space and freedom he gives his fellow actors. The little boy Sai is very talented. Sahasra also acted very well.
The song ‘Chella Magale’ was fantastic, and Sai Abhyankkar’s music was wonderful.
This film needs to reach everyone. People should watch it more and more. Those who have already watched it should tell those who haven’t. Please help this film achieve even greater success.”
Director Balaji Tharaneetharan
Director Balaji Tharaneetharan said:
“I would like to thank the three producers who gave me this opportunity. What I have in smaller measure, Atlee has in abundance—that is his positive attitude.
I first narrated the story to Sethu. Just because he is my friend, he wouldn’t automatically say yes. He liked the story, and that is why he took me to Atlee.
Based on my experience working with Vijay Sethupathi in films, I can say that he has proven himself to be an actor who belongs to his directors.
Lijomol joined us only three days before the shoot. The moment she came on board, I gained a lot of confidence. I felt that whatever happened would happen for the best. She gave an honest and sincere performance. She is a wonderful actress.
Sai is a child at heart. I felt that the best thing to do was simply not interfere too much with his natural childlike quality. If that innocence came through naturally, the performance would work—and that’s exactly what happened.
Sahasra, who had already received appreciation for Chitha, also performed very well.
Every technician who worked on this film believed in it. That belief transformed into a sense of responsibility, which is reflected in the film. The result has turned out well.
Muthuraj, an experienced technician, was a great help in creating the world of the 1980s. We also had a talented cinematographer, a wonderful editor and many other people who contributed to the film.
I initially had some fear about having Sai Abhyankkar compose the music. But he removed that fear and gave me confidence. After that, I asked him to compose the background score as well, and he took the film to another level.
Costume designer Sruthi Manjari was young, but she successfully recreated the clothing of the 1980s. Designer Gopi is exceptionally talented.
There are many more people who worked hard behind this film. I thank everyone.”
Music Composer Sai Abhyankkar
Music composer Sai Abhyankkar said:
“When I was told that I would be composing the music for this film, I experienced many different emotions. I believe that two or three of the actors in this film could eventually win National Awards.
Even the people who drove the vehicles in the film acted so wonderfully. Everyone performed so well that it was difficult to identify who had performed the best.
Initially, the director did not have confidence in me. He was planning to work with someone else. I gradually earned his confidence through each song. Only after that did he agree to let me compose the background score.
Sethu anna was brilliant in the film. Lijomol akka also performed wonderfully.
From the moment I narrated the story, Atlee anna believed in me. I didn’t even believe in myself, but he did. He told me that I would compose the music for his second film as well. I believe that film will turn out well too.”
