Mari Selvaraj, who has worked as an assistant to director Ram, is ready with his first directorial venture – Pariyerum Perumal. Produced by Pa. Ranjith under the banner Neelam Productions, the movie’s trailer and three songs were released at a press meet organised by the makers.
Director of movies like Aattakathi, Madras, as well as Rajnikanth’s last two movies Kabali and Kaala, Ranjith, who introduced the movie to the attendees, said that ‘Naan Yaar’ (Who am I) – the title of a song from the film, is a question he has asked himself multiple times. Like this film, his films too have been an attempt to answer this question.
Ranjith, who admitted to having become emotional upon watching the trailer on the big screen, said that he could relate to the visuals of the movie. Showering praise on him, lyricist Vivek said that good art has the capacity to take the society forward and Ranjith was a proponent of such art.
Kathir, who played the role of Vijay Sethupati’s brother in the 2017 movie Vikram Vedha, essays the title role in Pariyerum Perumaal. He said that he considered the movie a blessing, while Anandhi, who plays the female lead in the movie, said she’d cherish the movie for a long time. Yogi Babu, who features in the movie, was also part of the function.
Santhosh Narayanan, who scores the music for the film, did not mince his words while complementing the director. Calling it one of the best movies he’s worked on, he went ahead and termed Selvaraj ‘a phenomenon’.
“Certain filmmakers give out a vibe of greatness during the early stages of their career itself. I could sense a similar vibe of greatness from Mari,” said Santhosh Narayanan. He also emphasised on the role of the media when it came to independent movies like Pariyerum Perumal.
Selvaraj thanked everyone associated with the film. He reminisced about his childhood in Thirunalveli, where the story is set and the movie has been shot. Even though the story is set in a village, the director said that the emotions in play were universal.
Director of movies like Thangameengal and the upcoming Peranbu, Ram also spoke at the event. Selvaraj had assisted Ram for 12 years.
The trailer begins with the text “Educate, Organise, Revolt.” It talks about a man-animal relationship, college romance and campus politics. It ends with a character asking “Who is Pariyerum Perumal?” To which another character says “He is that dog who studies with me,” implicating severe caste undercurrents to the story.
Pariyerum Perumal releases on September 28
