The audio launch event for Padai Thalaivan, starring Shanmuga Pandian, son of the late actor and politician Vijayakanth, was held in Chennai, drawing numerous film personalities and political figures. The film, directed by U. Anbu and centered around the lives of people coexisting with wild elephants, is set for a theatrical release on May 23rd. A recurring theme throughout the event was the legacy of Vijayakanth, with many speakers drawing parallels between him and his son.
Premalatha Vijayakanth, DMDK General Secretary and Shanmuga Pandian’s mother, stated, “I am entrusting Shanmuga Pandian to you all, to the people of Tamil Nadu and the film industry.” She shared anecdotes about Vijayakanth’s and Shanmuga Pandian’s shared fondness for elephants, revealing both had expressed desires to bring an elephant home. “Captain’s place will be filled by my two sons. Vijaya Prabhakaran in politics and Shanmuga Pandian in cinema will establish themselves,” she asserted.
Director A.R. Murugadoss, who worked with Vijayakanth, remarked, “Vijayakanth was the one who set the trend of villains being as handsome as the hero in numerous films.” He advised Shanmuga Pandian to emulate his father’s perseverance and hard work, adding, “Vijayakanth’s two eyes are exactly with Shanmuga Pandian. Grow in cinema… we can definitely make Ramanaa 2.” Actor-director Sasikumar also expressed his admiration for Vijayakanth and his desire to direct Shanmuga Pandian, noting the striking resemblance in his eyes.
Shanmuga Pandian himself shared that the film is very close to his heart because his father had heard the story and seen two of its action sequences. “Everyone said I look like my father, but I don’t see it that way; he cannot be replaced. I have worked as hard as I could for this film,” he said, also mentioning his first shot was with five elephants.
The film features music by Ilaiyaraaja, a point highlighted by several speakers including Vijaya Prabhakaran, Shanmuga Pandian’s brother, who said, “Ilaiyaraaja composing music for this film is a blessing.” Director Kasthuri Raja praised the film’s title and the demanding cinematography, noting the “immense courage” required for Shanmuga Pandian’s scenes with elephants.
Producer JSK Sathish, who claimed to have seen the film, predicted it would be “a creation that India will talk about.” The event also featured speeches from dialogue writer Parthiban Desingu, cinematographer Satish Kumar, actor Rishi, actor Yamini Chander, producer T. Siva, and director Ponram, all of whom wished the film success and shared their positive experiences or memories related to Vijayakanth and Shanmuga Pandian. Director U. Anbu thanked his producers and Shanmuga Pandian for entrusting him with the project.