Kuttram Thavir, an upcoming Tamil film, marked its pre-release phase with an audio and trailer launch event in Chennai, bringing together cast, crew, and industry figures. Produced by Pandurangan under Sri Sai Saindhavi Creations and directed by debutant Gajendra, the event highlighted the film’s cross-state collaboration, with production primarily based in Bengaluru while utilising talent from Tamil Nadu.
Producer Pandurangan, welcoming the attendees, emphasised the employment potential of filmmaking. “Though we are from Bengaluru and shot mostly there, we have used actors entirely from Tamil Nadu,” he stated. “A film provides employment for about 2000 people and keeps their families happy. If this film succeeds, I will produce again and provide more opportunities.”
Veteran director, composer, and lyricist Gangai Amaran, who released the promotional materials, welcomed the Bengaluru-based team. He offered a suggestion for future events, noting, “Usually, they show songs and fight scenes, but not sentimental or comedy scenes. They should show those too… only then can we assess the actors’ performance.” Praising the film’s music director Srikanth Deva as “our family’s child,” Amaran concluded his remarks by singing a devotional song to bless the team.
Director Gajendra described the project as their first venture. “We are newcomers making this film. We brought all actors from Chennai to make a Tamil film and request your support,” he said, acknowledging the producer’s role: “Without the producer, a film cannot be made. He took good care of all of us without any shortcomings during the shoot.”
Rishi Rithvik, who plays the lead, spoke about his transition from antagonist roles. “When they said the producers were from Bengaluru, I hesitated initially,” he admitted. “But the producer immediately gave me a one lakh rupee advance and booked me. The shooting was a happy experience without any issues.” He expressed gratitude towards his co-stars, particularly Saravanan, whom he admired since ‘Paruthiveeran’, and praised the dedication of the technical crew. “The film speaks about a good message,” he added.
Lead actress Aaradhya thanked the media for their role in promoting films. “I gained recognition through ‘Mathimaaran’, thanks to director Manthra sir,” she recalled. “Kuttram Thavir marks my first time performing dance sequences, and I am happy seeing those scenes.”
Music director Srikanth Deva shared an anecdote illustrating the producer’s character, recounting how Pandurangan prioritized feeding onlookers before the crew during a late-night shoot. He also credited director Perarasu for giving him his break with the film ‘Sivakasi’. Perarasu, known for his witty speeches, later remarked on Srikanth Deva’s career, joking about denying the composer overseas trips for music composition.
Addressing the gathering, Perarasu highlighted cinema’s unique ability to unite diverse fields, pointing to the presence of individuals from politics, spirituality, the military, and media at the event. Observing the lead pair’s performance in the song visuals, he humorously commented on Rishi Rithvik’s synchronization: “Aaradhya’s lip movement was correct while singing, but Rishi’s was not quite right. Perhaps because he was watching the heroine’s hip, he missed the lip-sync.”
Several other cast members, including Saravanan, Sentrayan, Vinodhini, and Meesai Rajendran, shared positive experiences about the production, praising the producer’s hospitality, prompt payments, and the director’s clear vision, despite unconventional methods like reportedly not using dialogue papers on set. The event concluded with the producer honouring guests with shawls and traditional Karnataka turbans, a notable cultural gesture. Kuttram Thavir, featuring cinematography by Rovin Basker and lyrics by Ku. Karthik, awaits its theatrical release.