The launch event for Vijith Bachan Peranbum Perungobamum highlighted director Thangar Bachan’s strategy for his son’s debut. The music and trailer release for the film, which features music by Ilaiyaraaja and is directed by newcomer Sivaprakash, became a focal point for industry discussion.
Several veteran filmmakers weighed in on Thangar Bachan’s approach during the event held at Prasad Lab in Chennai. “It’s not an ordinary thing to entrust the responsibility of shaping your son for his debut to another young person,” remarked director S.A. Chandrasekar (SAC). He contrasted it with his own experience directing his son Vijay’s early films, suggesting Thangar Bachan’s move was calculated. “Thangar Bachan has made a wise decision, thinking it would be better if another young person directed his son for him to connect well with the audience right from the first film.”
Director R.V. Udhayakumar echoed this sentiment, linking Thangar Bachan’s reported non-interference in the film’s story to its potential. Based on Vijith’s comments that his father hadn’t asked about the story, Udhayakumar suggested, “If that’s the case, you have already won.”
Producer and actor Chitra Lakshmanan drew parallels between Vijith Bachan’s launch and historical debuts. “Just as Bharathiraja boldly introduced Pandiyan, who worked in a bangle shop, in Manvaasanai, allowing the character to connect with the audience… director Sivaprakash has given Vijith a similar kind of introduction in this film,” he observed. He also praised director Sivaprakash’s commitment to delivering an “honest creation,” attributing it partly to his training under Balu Mahendra.
The film itself generated significant buzz, particularly concerning its conclusion. Director Suseenthiran offered a striking assessment: “Though I have made revenge films like Naan Mahaan Alla and Pandiya Naadu, the nature of revenge and the climax in Peranbum Perungobamum shook me. I haven’t seen such a climax before.” He predicted it would be widely discussed and have a strong impact.
Poet Snehan interpreted the film through a social lens, viewing it as part of an ongoing struggle against caste discrimination. “Even if it’s an anti-caste film, it will open a window or a door for the audience where it ends,” he commented.
Ilaiyaraaja’s music was universally acknowledged as a major asset. “Just as Ilaiyaraaja breathes life into every film with his music, he has done the same for this film,” stated Chitra Lakshmanan. Actress Devayani added, “Ilaiyaraaja sir’s blessings are with the film Peranbum Perungobamum.”
The film, produced by Kamatchi Jayakrishnan under the E5 Entertainment banner, also stars Shali as the female lead, alongside Mime Gopi and Arul Dass in important roles. Mime Gopi noted the story’s grounded, perhaps unfamiliar, portrayal of certain realities, and expressed gratitude for having Ilaiyaraaja’s music accompany his performance.
Peranbum Perungobamum, marking the debut of both actor Vijith Bachan and director Sivaprakash, has positioned itself as a noteworthy arrival, sparking discussion through its launch strategy and early reactions to its content.