The most celebrated romantic film of the year 2018, 96, ran for 100 day in theatres across Tamil Nadu. To celebrate the milestone, the filmmakers held a meet in Chennai. Directors Cheran, Samuthirakani and Parthiban attended the event and much to our surprise, political activist Thirumurugan Gandhi was present at the event along with actor Vijay Sethupathi, actress Trisha Krishnan and other cast members.
The celebration, which began much later than scheduled, started with director Cheran’s speech. Addressing the team, he said, “People compare 96 and the movie, Autograph. But both are different films. Not only in Tamil cinema, but also even in world cinema, it’s very difficult to make a movie with only two characters. Famous director Akira Kurosawa made such a movie called One Wonderful Sunday. After that, director Prem Kumar made it possible. I really feel jealous of him.”
When it comes to acting, Vijay Sethupathi is like the devil. I am stunned with his performance and I don’t know how am I going to work with him”. It is said that the director is going to work with the multi-talented actor soon.
Actor Parthiban who recently resigned from Tamil Film Producer’s Council expressed his thoughts over the issue. He said, “I am wearing a shirt with musical notes which we designed for Ilaiyaraaja 75 event. However I couldn’t attend that, and happened to wear for this event.” Appreciating the team, he also made Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha hug each other, after Vijay Sethupathi said, “This is Climax of 96!”
Talking about the movie, political activist Thirumurugan Gandhi said, “I don’t know why director Prem Kumar invited me for this event. But it feels good. After coming out of jail, the first movie that I saw was 96. We are living in a time where many misunderstand the concept of love and when it doesn’t work, they take revenge against women; they become violent; they pour acid on the women they once loved. How can anyone do this?”
“I would say this film plays an important role to change the mentality of men. This film tells the people how to love, respect and celebrate women, no matter what.”
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Welcoming the activist at the beginning of his speech, Vijay Sethupathi said, “I didn’t expect Thirumurugan Gandhi’s presence but it means so much to me. I am big fan of your thinking. The care you show towards society is really amazing. I would like to give you a small piece of advice, and I hope you will not mistake me for this. Your speech could be little more commercial so that it will reach more people.”
Vijay Sethupathi also added, “We have already spoke a lot about the movie. I only wish to thank people for the way they received it.”
The actor also introduced debutant director Delhi Prasad who will be doing a film with the actor under the banner of Seven Studios. The movie has been named Thuglak.
Director Cheran then presented shields to the crew, and the event wrapped up.