ASH ON BALACHANDER AND BARATHIRAJA

The audio launch of S Pictures’ Rettaisuzhi was held yesterday at Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai. Rettaisuzhi is one film that will hold everyone’s attention because of a never before seen casting achievement. The film consists of two of the biggest names in Tamil cinema, two pillars that have held Tamil cinema aloft for many years, K. Balachander and Bharathiraja. Never before has such a unique and eye-catching cast been tried. ‘Ensemble’ would be too mild a word to describe the choice of actors; it is beyond normal conventions and practices and therein lies the stamp of Shankar’s S Pictures.

The film itself has been in the making for quite a while now. It has been beset by its share of problems, especially when Bharathiraja met with an unfortunate accident, injuring his hand, forcing the unit to put off shooting till his recovery. Ultimately, the film has now been completed and with the audio out, we can expect the film to hit the screens soon to give us a glimpse at the great directors rubbing shoulders in front of the camera.

The audio launch function itself was a star studded affair, worthy of the huge names that are part of the film. Aishwarya Rai was the cynosure of all eyes at the function. It is not often that one sees the former Miss World at the audio launch of a Tamil film. Of course, it did help that she is currently involved in Shankar’s directorial venture Endhiran. The CD of Rettaisuzhi was officially released by Aishwarya Rai and received by Kaviperarasu Vairamuthu.

Speaking at the event, Ash said that sharing the stage with several prominent and experienced film personalities like K Balachander, Barathiraja, Vairamuthu and Shankar was a life time achievement for her.

Barathiraja and Balachander recalled their acting experience together in Rettaisuzhi and said that there were no ego issues during the shooting as they always shared a good rapport.

Shankar said that Aishwarya Rai is a very dedicated actress and did not throw tantrums even during difficult situations while shooting.

Two songs and a trailer were screened for the audience. The trailer indeed created a lot of expectations. The film has Bharathiraja and Balachander with eleven children each. There are many comedy sequences that will have the audience in splits of laughter.

Rettaisuzhi’s director Thamira welcomed the gathering and proposed the vote of thanks.