Reporting by Niveda Manohar; Photos by Sriram Narasimhan. Photos from the audio launch are below the report.
As we waited at the well-lit banquet hall for the Audio Launch to begin, the songs of Chandi Veeran were played so many times 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 teaser of the film, 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 gotten their chemistry right with their 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 was interesting to see Atharvaa in this all new avatar, and he seems to have 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, all naivete, apparently believed the crew when they told her they were planning to 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: “Will you get lots of marriage proposals 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.
