There is a water wash shop in Saligramam where Pugazh used to scrub down vehicles for a living. It is the same neighbourhood where he recently stood on stage as the lead of his second film. 4 Idiots had its audio and trailer launched this week, and the comedian who became one of Tamil television’s most recognizable faces through Cook With Comali got visibly emotional looking back at how improbable the journey has been.
“Two friends, Udhaya and Mohan, used to bring their bikes to the wash shop,” Pugazh recalled. “They told me my face looked comical and got me a chance on the Kalakka Povadhu Yaaru comedy show. That’s where it all started.” From stand-up comedy on Kalakka Povadhu Yaaru to the viral popularity of Cook With Comali during the pandemic years, Pugazh built a following on the back of screen time that audiences genuinely enjoyed. His first lead role came in Mr Zoo Keeper. 4 Idiots is his second.
The film is a comedy entertainer directed by Sajo Sundar, who served as an assistant to director Hari, the man behind the Singam franchise and a string of Tamil commercial hits. Pragya Nayan plays the female lead, with Ravi Mariya, Vincent Ashokan, and Kumki Ashwin in the supporting cast. Music is by Subash.
Produced by Lakshmi Movie Makers, the film’s promotional material leans into a heist-comedy look, with guns and flying cash notes splashed across the poster. A release date has not yet been announced.