In Theatres This Week: A Preview

The last three Fridays were insanely busy for Kollywood, as more than eight films released each week. With two movies hitting theatres this Friday, normalcy seems to have been restored. Valiyavan and Charles Shafique Karthiga, both billed as romantic thrillers, join the race.

Valiyavan:

The Jai and Andrea starrer garnered attention when pictures of Jai looking beefy, and flaunting his washboard abs, were released. For Jai was always portrayed in a funny and diffident manner, it was a pleasant surprise to see the actor sporting an all new avatar.

Valiyavan is director Saravanan’s third project, after Engeyum Eppodhum and Ivan Vera Madhiri. In an earlier interview, Saravanan told us that Ivan Vera Madhiri did not turn out the way he expected it to. “People didn’t appreciate it when it released, but now they watch it on television and tell me how brilliant the action sequences are. I think Valiyavan will make up for the disappointment.” Saravanan added that 90 percent of Valiyavan has romance, and only the remaining part explores action. A source from the industry revealed that Valiyavan‘s climax was meticulously planned, and shot at a cost of Rs 1 crore. While Jai will be seen as a marketing executive, Andrea plays a banker.

At a press meet that was recently held, director Saravanan revealed that the humour in Valiyavan is organic. Bala Saravanan of Pannaiyarum Padminiyum fame plays Jai’s friend in the movie. “But, he can’t be considered a typical comedian.”

Valiyavan‘s album has got six songs composed by D Imman. Saravanan has teamed up with his favourite lyricist Na Muthukumar, who has written three songs. The songs don’t seem too Imman. Unlike his other recent albums Kayal and Jeeva that feature quite a few melodies, Valiyavan‘s is a great mix of different genres of music. Elomia is the only melody.

Dinesh Krishnan, who handled camera from Soodhu Kavvum, Thegidi, and Kappal, has managed cinematography for Valiyavan, while SK Studios has produced the film. Unlike the other two films of director Saravanan, Valiyavan was not heavily promoted. Actor Jai was also not seen at the only press meet that was conducted. However, the songs and the trailer were widely shared on the Internet, making it one of the most anticipated films of this year.

CSK:

The thriller, directed by Sathiyamoorthy, features Sharankumar, Vimal, Narayan, and actress Jai Quehaeni, who was seen in Lakshmy Ramakrishnan’s Aarohanam. Debutant Sathiyamoorthy is Prakash Raj’s former associate. Actors Narayan and Vimal revealed at a press meet that their characters are reminiscent of Amudhan and Ilamaran of Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, and that the film will be fast-paced like Nooravadhu Naal and Tik Tik Tik.

Jai Quehaeni has carried out a lot of stunts in the film. “I had to stay in a tank filled with 200 litres of water for a very long time. To top it all, my hands and legs were fastened.” Director Sathiyamoorthy added that the film is “about one important day in the lives of Charles, Shafique, and Karthiga, and who are oblivious to the fact that their lives are entwined. It is a thorough family entertainer. ”

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