Everyone at Kaadu’s press meet – be it the cast or the crew – were true believers and supporters of the movie’s story-line, we learnt from their speeches. Almost all of them mimicked each other’s statements and claimed to be impressed by the plot. And also, by K’s music for the film.
Set in a…kaadu in Tamil Nadu, the movie follows a tribal village and its protest against people who are destroying their habitat. “The film has a solid story-line and impressive performances. There’s also an underlying meaning to this story. We should have titled this Naadu (after Sri Lanka) as it mirrors the struggle of the Eelam people,” said lyricist Yugabharathi.
Lest we take him literally, producer Nehru Nagar Nandhu jumped in and clarified, “There are certain parallels the audience will draw with the Sri Lankar war, but it is not deliberate. We have tried to accurately depict the lives of people who are forced to leave behind what is rightfully and morally theirs. That is all.”
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Vidharth hoped that this movie would give him the hit that he desires at the moment. Though his work in Aal got him recognised, the actor has found it hard to replicate the success of his debut film, Mynaa. “People keep telling me that I am at my best when I am part of films set in forests. A good portion of Mynaa was set there and obviously, Kaadu as well. This has given me some hope that it will get me success. My role – an embodiment of the common man’s anger against people who commit grievous crimes against nature – is very intense. We have given it some commercial treatment to get the message across to the masses.”
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Music composer K came in for a lot of praise for his work on the film. When Nandhu declared that he saw a younger Ilaiyaraaja in him, K was visibly startled. “I thank everyone for their wishes. Now that I’ve heard what people have to say about me, I’m doubly motivated to work hard and make better music.”
Kaadu marks the directorial debut of Stalin Ramalingam, and has Vidharth and Samuthirakani in pivotal roles.
The music – composed by K – was launched earlier in the day at a private FM station.