This Week in Theatres: A Preview

In the running for this holiday weekend are three vastly different films- Komban, Nanbenda and Sagaptham. March may have been chock full of surprises and madness – a record number of films released in the last two weeks. But April is turning out to be a little sedate – with three entertainers hitting the screens.

Komban:

Komban has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. As is the norm these days, lawsuits were filed against the film, for glorifying one community over the other. All this gleaned from the film’s two minute trailer available on YouTube. The film fraternity, though, is firmly rallying behind the film.

Marketed as a rustic entertainer, Komban has Karthi going back to his Paruthiveeran days. With that fierce moustache and his trademark swagger, Karthi is an unforgettable presence onscreen. In a press meet for the film, director Muthiah explained that the movie focuses on the relationship between Karthi’s character and his father-in-law (played by Raj Kiran). “It is a highly emotional film and I’ve written it based on real life events. This is  based on my father’s relationship with my grandfather.” Muthiah also revealed that he wrote the film with Raj Kiran in mind for the father-in-law character. “I’ve idolized Raj Kiran sir’s films for a long time. They have hugely influenced me. That he also looks the part is a definite plus.”

Kovai Sarala has a serious role to play in the proceedings, and this was deliberate, according to Muthiah. “Till now, people have only seen her as the woman who does a series of funny gags onscreen. But I’ve always known that she is capable of so much more. Here, her true potential is revealed. She is a fine talent and I’m honoured to have revealed that to the world!”

The music has been composed by GV Prakash Kumar. The young music director told us that he had a lot of fun recording live instruments for the film and that this project provided him a break from all the ‘city based films he has been doing of late’. “For Komban, I tried to bring in fresh talent to render the songs. It is slightly experimental in nature, but it’s all heart.”

Lakshmi Menon too will be seen onscreen after a long time. The actress, who made waves recently when she announced that she was quitting films, plays Karthi’s love interest in the movie. “Of late, I’ve been offered rustic roles one after another. But Komban is very special because I’m acting in Muthiah sir’s film again. I hope this film exceeds expectations just like Kutty Puli.”

Fun Fact: This is actor Karunaas’s hundredth Film. His first was with Suriya for the Bala directorial, Nandha.

Nanbenda:

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Nanbenda went on floors as soon as Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal released last year. A romantic comedy with debutant Jagadeesh at the helm, this film is being promoted as a sequel to Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, through which Udhay made his debut. As Jagadeesh is a former assistant of Rajesh, we have been told repeatedly that we can expect his unique brand of humour to shine through in Nanbenda as well. Santhanam is also part of this film and has done a wonderful job, according to Udhayanidhi. “Santhanam is my lucky charm, I think. He has been in all my films and by now we’ve developed a weird on-sets relationship. He has brilliant comic timing and through him, I’ve learnt to shed my inhibitions in front of the camera.”

Nayanthara plays Udhay’s love interest for the second time, after Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal. She has a strong role to play in the film and is the personification of the ‘modern woman’, says Udhay. “Since I’ve worked with her previously, I felt more relaxed this time around. Santhanam was always around, we were all in a good mood through out. There was a lot of laughter on this set and I think you can see it in the final product.”

Actress Sherin, of Thulluvadho Ilamai fame makes her comeback through this film. Interestingly enough, she is paired opposite Santhanam in the project. Udhay tells us that there are several hilarious sequences in the film which involve his character helping his friend (Santhanam) get the love of his life. Harris Jayaraj has composed the soundtrack, and the song Nee Sunno has become a favourite with the masses. The film’s audio was launched at a grand function in December last year. A horde of celebrities arrived for the event – from Arya to Suriya.

The film was not without its share of controversies. While it managed to get a U certificate from the CBFC, the film was blocked in its efforts to get tax exemption, prompting an outburst from its hero/producer Udhayanidhi. The matter has still not been resolved to anybody’s satisfaction, but the team has nonetheless decided to go through with the release.

Sagaptham:

Sagaptham marks the debut of Vijayakanth’s son, Shanmuga Pandian.The young actor has always been interested in movies and grabbed the opportunity to make his debut when the story was narrated to him. No expense has been spared in making this film, says the spokesperson for the movie. Karthik Raja has composed the music and has even managed to rope in Silambarasan for a song – Adiye Rathiye. Director Surendhiran has cast two heroines for this film – Neha Hinge and Shubhra Aiyyappa, and in a coup of sorts, managed to get the relatively young Devayani to play Shanmugapandian’s mother in the movie.

Of course, this action thriller will not be complete without a guest appearance by Vijayakanth and we’re told that the makers felt the same way too. Vijayakanth shot for his portions abroad and has a major role to play in the proceedings, according to the film’s spokesperson. The film has been produced by LK Sudhish for Captain Cine Creations.

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