The audio and trailer for the upcoming crime thriller Eleven, starring Naveen Chandra, were launched at an event in Chennai attended by numerous prominent figures from the Tamil film industry. Composer D. Imman, speaking at the launch, noted the significance of the project for him: “Though I have worked [in the industry] for 23 years, I hadn’t received an opportunity to compose for the crime thriller genre until now. In that sense, Eleven is the first crime thriller releasing with my music.” The film, directed by debutant Logesh Ajils, is produced by Ajmal Khan and Riya Hari under the AR Entertainment banner and is set for a worldwide theatrical release on May 16th.
The event saw high-profile guests including directors K. Bhagyaraj, Ameer, Selvaraghavan, Prabhu Solomon, A.L. Vijay, and producers Kalaipuli S. Thanu, T.G. Thyagarajan, T. Siva, and Kathiresan. The film’s trailer was officially launched online by actor Kamal Haasan. Producer T.G. Thyagarajan praised Naveen Chandra’s abilities, stating, “Naveen is exceptionally talented. The Tamil film industry should utilize his talent,” a sentiment echoed by producer T. Siva. Naveen Chandra himself expressed his excitement about returning to a lead role in Tamil cinema nine years after his previous film Sarabham.
Director Logesh Ajils, formerly an assistant to director Sundar C, shared his experience helming his first feature, a bilingual Tamil-Telugu production. He credited the cast and crew, particularly cinematographer Karthik Ashokan, for their support. D. Imman elaborated on collaborating with the debutant director, mentioning his initial surprise at being approached for a crime thriller but appreciating the opportunity. He also highlighted a unique collaboration within the film: “Though I have composed so many songs, Mano had never sung in my music. That has happened in this film.”
Producer Kathiresan used the platform to address industry concerns, advocating for lower ticket prices for smaller budget films. “For small-budget films made under ten crores, everyone should come together, discuss, and reduce ticket prices… fixing rates between 80 to 100 rupees would be good,” he suggested, proposing a trial period. Comparisons were drawn between Eleven and successful thrillers like Ratsasan and Por Thozhil by speakers including Ameer and T. Siva, setting expectations for the film’s tone.
Co-producer and actor Riya Hari spoke about the positive working environment fostered by producer Ajmal Khan (referred to as Akbar by some speakers) and shared her experience working with Naveen Chandra and composer Imman. Actor Abhirami also expressed her pleasure in being part of the director’s debut project. The film’s distribution rights have been secured for various regions, indicating a wide release strategy. Eleven aims to offer audiences a compelling crime thriller narrative upon its release.