"Malini 22... is Chinna Vishwaroopam"- K Balachander - Event Story

The music of actress Sri Priya’s directorial debut, Malini 22 Palayamkottai, composed by Aravind Shankar was released today -8th November 2013- at Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai. The grand event was graced by trendsetters of all generations, starting from director K Balachander, all time favourite Kamal Haasan, the present day heart throb Suriya to the upcoming star, Vijay Sethupathy. Also present at the event were, Vietnam Veedu Sundaram, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Lissy Priyadharshan, Latha, Nithya Menon, Mohan Ram, Vidyullekha Raman, KR and many others. Here are the some highlights of the event.

Rajkumar- Producer of Malini 22 Palayamkottai

“Thanks everyone for coming here. We are doing this project in Hindi too and Sri Priya will be directing it as well. Initially we planned to complete the filming process in 60 days. But with the help of Wide Angle Creations, we were able to wrap things up in just 42 days.”

Suhasini Maniratnam

“Mr. Vijay Sethupathi… We are all big fans of you at home. The master of women centric films, K Balachander is here too. KB sir used to think more for women than women do for themselves. Not many women centric films are made these days and I’m happy that Sri Priya has come forward to do one herself. On the other hand, Nithya Menon, in my opinion is the best South actress, for she can fluently speak Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and English as well. I wish my friend Sri Priya and her entire team the best.”

Radikaa Sarathkumar

“It is very rare to find an intelligent woman in Tamil cinema and Sri Priya is definitely one among the very few. But she never shows off her intelligence. It is also very nice of Rajkumar to guide her in chasing her dreams. Nowadays, all films have the same story. Boys going behind good looking girls, Tasmac scenes in every films… Many seem to like them but some don’t. But there are also intelligent films like Soodhu Kavvum and Onaiyum Aatukuttiyum making a mark in Tamil industry. So, there’s scope for good cinema and audiences are open to new concepts. Sri Priya is right on track and personally it feels good to be supporting a film as good as Malini 22 Palayamkottai.”

Vijay Sethupathi:

“While I was doing Pizza, one of the assistants was telling me the story of 22 Female Kottayam and I wanted to do one such roles. I told Sri Priya ma’am the same thing when I met her last time. I wish her and the entire team all the luck.”

Suriya:

“I agree with Radikaa ma’am. Things must change in Tamil cinema. More such women oriented films must come. There should be a balance in cinema. Also, films like this have the capacity to make better impacts. When Hurtlocker and Avatar met at the Oscars, it was the former that bagged many awards. A real life story can be related to easily, which is why such films bag more accolades. Also direction means multi tasking. Women are generally the best in multi tasking and it is sad that there aren’t many women directors in the industry. I hope more directors like Sri Priya venture into cinema.”

K Balachander:

“If I remember correctly, I introduced Sri Priya in Aval Oru Thodarkadhai. Today I’m amazed to see her growth, her directorial skills and her courage. If it is Vishwaroopam for Kamal Haasan, it is Malini 22 Palayamkottai for Sri Priya. This is ‘Chinna Vishwaroopam’. It needs something more than guts to handle such a delicate subject. I have a good feeling this film will go places. My wishes are always with you, Sri Priya.”

Sri Priya:

“Everyone asks me if this film is against men. Almost all the films today have men playing villain role. Does that mean those films are against men? Similarly, this isn’t against men. It is just a woman oriented movie talking about a disturbing issue that has been happening very often in our country.”

“It was Radikaa, who suggested that I cast Nithya Menon in the lead role, which was portrayed elegantly by Riima Kallingal in the original version, 22 Female Kottayam. I thank everyone who has been a big support in my 40 year long career.”

Kamal Haasan:

“Good Luck to Malini and Sri Priya. The Sri Priya I know has always been strong. People say KB sir discovered us. But he didn’t. He invented us. When he blesses, there’s no way you could fail. My wishes to you and your team!”