Reporting by Janani K; Photos by Sriram Narasimhan. Photos from the press meet are below the report.
Kanithan is music director Drums Sivamani’s second film. Directed by TN Santhosh (AR Murugadoss’s assistant), the film stars Atharvaa, Catherine Tresa and Tarun Arora. In the trailer, the protagonist Atharvaa plays a journalist who tries to expose a certificate forgery scam.
Green Park is bustling, as journalists and family members gather for Kanithan’s audio launch. The stage is arrayed with drums, a keyboard and two nadhaswarams. The event begins with a fusion performance. Musicians SP Balasubramanian and Vikku Vinayakram are loving it. Everyone is present, with one notable exception. AR Rahman, who has to launch the audio, isn’t here yet. While we wait, Sivamani, his wife Runa, mandolin Rajesh, keyboard Amrit, nadhaswaaram Karthik and their brothers perform for almost 45 minutes. Sivamani is drenched in sweat. It’s not for nothing. AR Rahman finally arrives. Whistles and cheers welcome him.
Despite being a debutant director, TN Santhosh seems at home. He says, “Kanithan is a social action thriller about reporters. The film is a cat-and-mouse game between Atharvaa and Tarun Arora. I was assisting Murugadoss sir during Thupakki and Dhanu sir was impressed with my talent. As soon as I completed the narration, Dhanu sir gave me the advance amount.“ On the subject of the cast, he says, “Atharvaa was doing two callsheets per day and one day, he even fainted on the sets. But he refused to give up dancing for the songs.“
SP Balasubramanian, who sang one song for the film, wants to leave early. He says, “I’ve sung songs for his father (Murali), now I am singing for him. Tell me when your son becomes a hero, I will sing for him too.”
Kalaipuli S Thanu, the film’s producer, is very appreciative of Kanithan’s content. “This film is going to make a mark in the Tamil industry. Kanithan will catapult Atharvaa to the top league of actors. He should choose scripts that will help him retain that position.” Director and producer SA Chandrasekar says, “If a director’s film wins, it will only pave way for his assistant directors. That is how Tamil industry works today.”
Lead actors Atharvaa and Catherine Tresa both agree that Kanithan would be a milestone in their respective careers. Catherine Tresa says the storyline is fresh and deals with a real problem in society. As she talks about the storyline, AR Rahman can be heard saying, “Kadhaye solliruvanga pola iruke (She will reveal the story, I think).” Both Rahman and AR Murugadoss laugh.
The antagonist Tarun Arora says, “I’ve acted in Hindi films, but I have been a chocolate boy throughout my career. Only Santhosh saw something that other directors couldn’t. I play a villain and a father of two in Kanithan.”
AR Murugadoss says, “Thanu sir helped me when Kaththi was facing issues. I did not know whether the film would release or not. But, Thanu sir stepped up and spoke to all the distributors. Thanu sir gave my assistants their much needed debut. Now, all my associates who worked in Thuppakki (Thanu’s production) have become directors. Murali was one actor who introduced many directors. Now, I am happy to see that his son Atharvaa is doing the same.”
AR Rahman wishes the team well, and speaks briefly about Drums Sivamani. He says Kanithan is just a foundation for him, “Avarukull oru thanga surangam eh iruku” (There’s a gold mine inside him).”
