As we waited at the well-lit banquet hall for the audio launch to begin, the songs from Chandi Veeran were played back to back, one after another, that I started to sing along soon. Catchy!
Actor Atharvaa looked casual in a white polo t-shirt, while lead actress Aanandhi of Kayal fame looked ‘au naturale’ with no make up and a simple attire. The chief guest for the day was director Bala, whose B-Studio has produced Chandi Veeran.
The event kicked off with the film’s teaser, followed by a couple of video songs, played on a huge LED panel. (Only for our eyes, you might have to wait until the movie release to watch them) We have to say this – The rugged village guy look does suit Atharvaa, and both he and Anandhi seem to have set the chemistry right with their heavily expressive eyes. The songs by SN Arunagiri are folksy and quite catchy too. (I hum ‘Alunguren Kulunguren’ as I type this)
The teaser has the typical village-film elements – The heroine clad in Paavada Dhaavani, the hero with his veshti tied up, a villain who screams and sickles and spears pulled out of the thatched roofs (That one’s a staple). But it is interesting to see Atharvaa in this all new avatar, and he seemingly has pulled it off well.
The crew shared their experiences of shooting in Thanjavur. The entire movie was shot in 60 days. Atharvaa said that he agreed to do the movie as soon as director Bala said the script would be right for him. Anandhi, probably, is the most naive actress we have today. The film crew apparently made her believe they would shoot a dance number in New Zealand (That would have been interesting though). She was all smiles and thanked everyone who gave her the opportunity.
When asked if the title might create any problems (hard to forget ‘Sandiyar’, right?), Bala stated that he was ready to face any issue. When a scribe, who is also a small time actor, commented that he wouldn’t want to act in Bala’s film as he makes their actors look bad, Bala was quick to counter him, asking whether he would get proposed for marriage if shown otherwise (Ah, this is what makes such events fun!).
Following Kalavaani and Vaagai Sooda Vaa, Chandi Veeran by director Sarkunam seems to be a film to watch out for, especially for Atharvaa.