Two veterans – one, an unparalleled actor and the other, a much-revered auteur – were the chief guests at the audio and trailer launch of the Anu Haasan-starrer Valladesam. However, much to the dismay of the crowd, the stalwarts couldn’t meet each other at the event. Actor Kamal Haasan left the venue soon after he released the audio album of the film. Master director Bharathiraja arrived a while later, and blamed it on Chennai’s infamous traffic. He also jested, “But I must say the traffic jam happened for good. I am glad that he (Kamal Haasan) left before my arrival”.
Nevertheless, the evening had quite a few interesting moments.
Anu Haasan, who looked quite chic, was rightly the star of the evening. She jollied up everyone with her spirited nature and radiant smile. “One thing that I liked about my character in Valladesam is that she is stylish, clear-headed and open-minded, and the film is set in London. Also, the crew had given me a gun, so I couldn’t say no,” she laughed.
The trailer hints that the film revolves around a woman’s search for her missing daughter. Anu Haasan has performed some high-octane stunts in the film, and that prompted producer-writer Dhananjayan, who was present at the event, call her ‘Kollywood’s new Vijayashanthi’.
Music director LV Muthukumar spoke a little, and his soft and gentle demeanor instantly reminded everyone of his famous cousin STR, who has sung the catchy promo song of Valladesam.
Other songs from the movie were played one after another – a romantic number featuring two debut artistes visibly struggling to dance, emote and lip-sync, and a gloomy melody in which Anu Haasan reminisces the happy days with her lost family.
Excitement sky-rocketed when the chief guest, Kamal Haasan, entered the hall. The actor, dressed in simple yet graceful ethnic wear, complimented his niece for the brand-new suave look she sports in Valladesam. “Not everyday you get to see heroines doing stunts in Tamil cinema. Also, hats off to director Nandha for daring to make a film about a mother,” he said. “It’s great to see young people like him making technically brilliant films.” The actor added, “I am glad when youngsters invite me to be a part of them. It shows there is still a lot of energy and talent left in me. I treat this invitation as an advance booking (to work in their future projects).”
The actor launched the audio of the film, greeted the crew members and others on the stage, and left the venue in haste.
Because, Thoongavanam.
Bharathiraja apologised several times for arriving late, and he heaped praises on Nandha, whom he described as a passionate cinephile, and a humble and sincere human being. “If I am to direct a film again, Nandha will handle the camera. We share a great camaraderie,” he said. “I was so pleasantly surprised to see Anu Haasan in this new avatar. She doesn’t look anything like the girl who acted in Indra. Such a stunning makeover!” Having said this, the ace director walked over to Anu Haasan, and appreciated her. The master, who made classics like 16 Vayadhinile, made a promise to his admirers that he would be back with another film soon.
Valladesam, directed by cinematographer-turned-director Nandha, marks Anu Haasan’s comeback to Kollywood. Shot mostly in London, the film has senior actor Nasser, who was Anu’s co-star in Indra, playing a pivotal role.
Text: Aswathy Gopalakrishnan
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