Reporting by Janani K; Photos by Sriram Narasimhan. Photos from the press meet are below the report.
Another press meet. Another late start. Yet, for the Vellaiya Irukiravan Poi Sollamaatan press meet, the media were in for a welcome treat. Cinematographer Ravi Varman sat with media persons even before the event officially began, and entertained them with anecdotes of his relationship with director Al Abanindran. Vellaiya Irukiravan Poi Sollamaatan has been produced by Devanshu Arya and directed by AL Abanindran, and Ravi Varman and Vachan Shetty are co-producing the film.
Recounting the days when he and Abanindran were associate cameraman and assistant director respectively, Ravi Varman said that he didn’t like being told he was wrong. But Abanindran would take him aside during the shoot and boldly point out his mistakes. “That was when I decided that he’s the right guy for a long-term friendship. He would keep me grounded,” Ravi Varman said.
Work on Vellaiya Irukiravan Poi Sollamaatan began as early as 2002, but the film kept running into delays. Ravi Varman was keen to work on the film, but Abanindran couldn’t find a producer. Then, says, Varman, “One fine day, Abi (Abanindran) called me and asked me to be a part of the movie. I was really happy that the movie was finally happening. After a few minutes, he asked me to be his partner. I decided to co-produce the movie and stepped back from cinematography. I knew that if I took up cinematography, I wouldn’t be able to justice to either job.”
TM Karthik, of Indru Netru Naalai fame, plays an architect in this film. He says he would be dedicating the film to his mother. He has a rather quirky point to prove. “My mother wanted me to study well and become an architect. But after taking up films, I get to play all kinds of roles, ranging from a scientist to an architect. I hope my mom understands that I can be anything now.”
Aadukalam Naren might have a number of films in the pipeline, but he seemed excited about his role in this movie. Because it was ‘different’. “My role in Vellaiya Irukiravan Poi Sollamaatan is a spin-off from the ‘dad’ roles I’ve been playing. I hope you all like it.”
Abanindran complimented the performances of the lead cast, Praveen and Shalini, and invited the cast and crew onstage. He said the movie had reached a new level after Kalaipuli Thanu had acquired the overseas and Tamil Nadu distribution rights.
Produced by Ignite Studios, Vellaiya Irukiravan Poi Solla Maatan is likely to release on either October 2 or October 9.
