Director Vasanthabalan made a strong appeal to celebrate the contributions of veteran cinematographer P.C. Sreeram, comparing his significance to composer Ilaiyaraaja, during the audio and trailer launch event for the new Tamil film Dream Girl. “The honour due to music maestro Ilaiyaraaja is equally deserved by the cinematography maestro P.C. Sreeram,” Vasanthabalan stated, adding, “He is someone who should be celebrated by Tamil cinema. We must celebrate cinema legends.” Sreeram himself was the chief guest at the event, held at Chennai’s Prasad Lab Theatre, where he launched the promotional materials for the film directed by M.R. Bharathi.
Dream Girl, directed by M.R. Bharathi who previously wrote the screenplay for Sreeram’s directorial Meera and directed Azhiyatha Kolangal 2, features newcomers Jeeva, Harisha, Prabhu Sastha, and Indira. The film is produced by Charulatha Films, with music by Ilamaaran and cinematography by Solomon Bose.
P.C. Sreeram, reflecting on his long association with director Bharathi, encouraged the filmmaker towards smaller, meaningful projects. “It will be good enough if he makes meaningful small-budget films like this. Multi-crore big-budget films are not needed,” Sreeram remarked, expressing his happiness at Bharathi’s directorial venture.
The event saw several filmmakers speak about M.R. Bharathi’s long journey in the industry and his passion for cinema. Director Kathir, known for films like Kadhal Desam, highlighted Bharathi’s literary background and lamented the declining role of writing in contemporary cinema. “Writing is the foundation for cinema. Because that is lacking, Tamil cinema is deteriorating today,” Kathir observed, crediting Bharathi for nurturing his own reading habits. Directors Nandha Periyasamy, Ajayyan Bala, and Brinda Sarathy shared anecdotes about Bharathi’s perseverance, his role in introducing them to world cinema, and his eventual success as an educational publisher with Charulatha Publications, a venture he pursued alongside his film aspirations.
Director M.R. Bharathi spoke about his approach to filmmaking, emphasizing efficiency and passion. He mentioned completing his previous film Azhiyatha Kolangal 2 in 12 days and shooting Dream Girl largely within 16 days in Ooty. “Cinema is not difficult. One shouldn’t struggle unnecessarily,” Bharathi said, adding, “If you know how to make films economically on a small budget, it will save you.” He stressed the importance of loving the craft: “You must believe in cinema, love cinema.”
Vasanthabalan also praised the recent appointment of artist Trotsky Marudu as the head of the MGR Government Film and Television Institute, expressing optimism for its future. The cast and crew of Dream Girl, including cinematographer Solomon Bose and actors Jeeva, Harisha, and Prabhu Sastha, shared their positive experiences working on the film and with the director. The event served not only to launch Dream Girl but also as a platform for reflections on cinematic craft, legacy, and the importance of celebrating industry veterans.