The successful re-release of the 2005 Tamil romantic-comedy Sachein was marked by a thanksgiving event in Chennai, attended by key members of the film’s team including producer Kalaippuli S Thanu, director John Mahendran, music composer Devi Sri Prasad, and dance choreographer Shobi Paulraj. The film, starring Vijay and Genelia Deshmukh, was re-released globally across more than 350 theatres nearly two decades after its original debut. “It doesn’t even feel like Sachein was re-released; it feels like a brand-new movie has hit the screens,” remarked director John Mahendran.
The event acknowledged a growing trend in Tamil cinema where popular older films are brought back to theatres, allowing fans to relive the experience. The recent success of ‘Ghilli’, another Vijay starrer, was cited as a precursor. Producer Kalaippuli S Thanu attributed the re-release’s positive reception partly to modern promotional tools. “Thanks to reduced advertising costs and the ability to reach fans easily through digital media, Sachein’s re-release has also become a tremendous success, celebrated by families,” he stated.
Thanu recounted securing Vijay for the lead role during a time the actor was focusing on action films. “I told him about director John Mahendran and the kind of story he had – something in the lines of Kushi,” Thanu shared, adding that Vijay agreed shortly after the narration. He noted the film’s original run extended to 200 days and praised the actor’s supportiveness: “Vijay is an actor who lifts and supports producers without any trouble.”
Director John Mahendran credited Thanu’s promotional strategy for the re-release, stating, “He kept updating trailers and songs just like for a new film… Thanu sir’s marketing efforts also played a crucial role.” While acknowledging Vijay as the “major attraction,” Mahendran also praised Devi Sri Prasad’s music and Shobi’s choreography, and remembered the late cinematographer Jeeva, who “captured such beautiful visuals.”
Music director Devi Sri Prasad spoke about the lasting impact of the film’s soundtrack. “Wherever I go, people still talk about how wonderful Sachein’s songs are,” he said. “Whether it’s a concert or an award ceremony, I’ve never stepped off a stage without performing a song from Sachein. It holds a very special place in my musical journey.” He thanked Thanu for the initial opportunity and for informing him about the re-release plans.
Choreographer Shobi Paulraj described attending the success meet as feeling “like a brand-new experience.” He noted, “It’s heartwarming to see today’s generation celebrating the songs just like the fans did 20 years ago,” and highlighted Vijay’s cooperation as key to the song sequences’ quality.