Reporting by Janani K; Photos by Dani Charles. Photos from the audio launch are below the report.
The audio launch of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan was held at the Prasad Labs. Director Vignesh Shivan, Vijay Sethupathi, Anirudh Ravichandran, RJ Balaji, Parthiepan, Mansoor Ali Khan, Azhagam Perumal, and stunt director Dilip Subburayan were all present. After the trailer of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan was screened twice, crew members gathered around on stage, to talk about the film, share their experiences of working with each other, and throw in a few jokes and insinuations.
Actor Azhagam Perumal said he would be playing Nayanthara’s father, and wished the team success. He said, “By default, director Vignesh Shivan is a funny person, so this film will be a reflection of his character.”
RJ turned actor Balaji confessed that he felt shy whenever he was called an actor. “All these days, even my family wouldn’t sit through a film where I’ve acted. In Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, I have improved as an actor, thanks to my dear friend Vignesh Shivan, and because of Vijay Sethupathi, who gave methe freedom and space to perform.” Senior actors Parthiepan and Mansoor Ali Khan acknowledged that RJ Balaji’s performance in the film was realistic. Balaji pointed out that he wouldn’t promote a film if it didn’t have fresh content. In his own words, watching Naanum Rowdy Dhan would be Rs.120 well spent.
Mansoor Ali Khan seemed happy to entertain the crowd. Especially on the subject of the rumours around Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara. He said, “We used to shoot in Pondicherry and it was so hot there. We kept consuming liquids to keep us hydrated. But I could see Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara talking to each other for hours despite the scorching sun. Indha rendu chittu kuruvi mattum pesikite irupanga. (Vignesh Shivan shrugged it off though. He has to, no other go!)” Mansoor Ali Khan also added his share of praise for the Naanum Rowdy Dhan crew.
Music director Anirudh has done really well with the Naanum Rowdy Dhaan album, but he remained his casual self at the press meet. “Vicky (Vignesh Shivan) is a close friend of mine. If you see, I always maintain a close rapport with my lyricists. Vicky wrote the lyrics in Vanakkam Chennai. And today, after writing the lyrics for Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, he has become one of my favourite lyricists. When I first listened to the script, it sounded fresh and whacky, which gave me the confidence to sign on board. Naanum Rowdy Dhaan is an emotional ride with plenty of fun. Vijay Sethupathi’s acting needs a special mention. The film brings out a new side to a great actor,” he added.
Vignesh began his speech by thanking producer Dhanush, and Anirudh who he holds responsible for making the Dhanush-Vignesh collaboration possible. He said, “After watching Poda Podi, Vijay Sethupathi had many words of encouragement for me, even though even though the film only got mixed reviews. Our friendship began there. We meet whenever we can. I used to ask him on my improvisations and finally got him to sign my movie. No technician or actor worked in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan as a disinterested professional. They were all personally attached to the script. I was initially apprehensive about approaching Parthiepan for a negative role. But his office set up the meeting, and he gave me a positive vibe about the role. Sreekar Prasad’s association with us was a learning curve. His inputs have really taken the story to a new level.”
We expect something witty from Parthiepan, and he didn’t disappoint. He said, “You won’t find any mistakes in this film. Because Vignesh Shivan kept ‘correcting’ us.” He added, “Anirudh’s music really elevates the film. I am a huge fan of his.”
Vijay Sethupathi was all praises for the crew. Especially Nayanthara’s dedication, Vignesh Shivan’s improvisations, RJ Balaji’s spontaneity, and Anirudh’s compositions. Naanum Rowdy Dhaan is scheduled to release on October 21.
