The audio launch of Azhagar Saamiyin Kudirai was held
at Sathyam cinemas last evening which witnessed the
presence of accomplished luminaries of film industry
like Balu Mahendra, Sathiyan Anthikkad- the eminent
Malayalam film maker, directors Samudirakkani, Sasikumar,
Vetrimaaran, Chimbu Devan, AL Vijay, maestro Ilayaraja
and actor Vishnu to name a few.
ASK has been scored by Ilayaraja. Trailer and two
songs were screened at the launch, of which one was
a montage number and the other one was sung by Ilayaraja.
ASK is about the life of people who has made their
abode in the foothills of mountains and the relationship
of a simple man with his horse.
When director AL Vijay rose up to speak said that
editor Anthony who had seen and worked in this film
had all praise for Suseendiran’s work and is
said to have expressed that ASK is one of the best
works in Tamil film industry. Vijay also congratulated
Suseendiran for his courage to make a film on horse
and was sure that ASK will be the Mynaa of 2011.
Balu Mahendra felt that there is a particular syntax
to translate literature to the medium of cinema and
Suseendiran has proved his dexterity in this. He also
concurred with AL Vijay in saying that it needs immense
audacity and energy to make such a film. The veteran
cinematographer/director was impressed with the shots
and angles of the cameraman Theni Eswar and had an
interesting anecdote to share with the audience.
It is said to be a rule to be a member of SICA (South
Indian Cameramen’s Association) to work in a
film. Apparently Eswar had not worked under any one
before and SICA had some issues on this. Balu Mahendra
shocked the crowd present with a question “When
the director and producer have no issues, what is
your problem? Where does it pain you?” He also
said that Subrato Mithra, a world renowned cameraman
who worked in Sathyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali,
had never worked under anyone.
Lyricist Snehan was much excited to write lyrics for
a film whose music is scored by Ilayaraja. He was
all the more thrilled to have sung two lines in one
song. When he was hesitant to sing because his voice
is bad, Ilayaraja insisted that he only wanted such
a bad voice.
When the maestro spoke, he said, “Suseendiran
said that without me ASK would not have been possible.
But it is not true. If not for me, somebody else would
have done this job. Cinema industry does not wait
for any one”. He also mentioned about how Sathiyan
Anthikad would watch a film with his family in his
village along with the audience without any fanfare.
“Sathiyan will always be in search of a story”,
Raja added.
When music director Imman talked, he was keen to take
a picture with Raja and requested the photographers
to click them together. “Someone said, there
are 2 music directors in this dais. But it is not
true. There is only one music director on the podium
today and it is only Raja sir”, he furthered.
Director cum actor Pandiraj recounted his earlier
days when he was keen to watch Raja at work and the
breathtaking impact it had on him when he did get
the chance to see the maestro at work.
Sasikumar opined that Raja is a national treasure
but he should not be kept away from everybody due
to this.
When the hero of the film Appukutty took the centre
stage, he was greeted by thunderous applause which
moved the actor. He said that his portfolio will be
in all the film companies and he was struggling to
get a chance when Suseendiran’s call to feature
him in Vennilla Kabbadi Kuzhu in a full length role
came by. He said that he owes it all to Suseendiran
for the opportunity to star in a film with the musical
score of Ilayaraja.
Producer Madan applauded the content that made him
ok this project and had good words about Suseendiran’s
and Ilayaraja’s work.
When director Suseendiran spoke, he was thankful to
the producer and said, “I had approached many
producers for this project. But they were all very
apprehensive of a film with a horse and a lesser known
non-glamorous hero. It was Madan who agreed to produce
ASK and I am grateful to him”.
Azhagar Saamiyin Kudirai will be distributed by Cloud
Nine films and will soon hit the screens.
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