Prashanth turned 53 on Sunday, and his father Thyagarajan turned the celebration into something more substantial than a cake cutting. At an event in Chennai that doubled as a birthday party and a title launch, Thyagarajan unveiled Ranjan – The Advocate, the Tamil remake of last year’s acclaimed Telugu courtroom drama Court: State vs. A Nobody. Prashanth plays the titular lawyer. His father directs.
The original Court, written and directed by Ram Jagadeesh and produced by Nani, built its reputation on a tightly argued POCSO case that drew comparisons to the best of contemporary courtroom drama. Bringing it to Tamil with Prashanth in the lead is a notable swing for Thyagarajan, who has been steadily working to reposition his son in films that lean on craft over star machinery.
The event was structured around two more introductions. Hari, son of Five Star producer Kathiresan, makes his acting debut alongside Priyanka, daughter of actress Devayani. Thyagarajan said he had been searching for a young pair for the role for some time and cast both on instinct. He spotted Hari at a wedding, learned he had been training in karate and horse riding, and signed him on the spot. Priyanka, he said, struck him as a natural the moment he saw her perform.
Devayani, visibly moved, addressed the audience as both a mother and a colleague. “When I was acting in Appu, I never once thought my daughter would one day work with Prashanth, in his father’s production. That’s a moment that sweetens just by thinking about it.”
Five Star Kathiresan, speaking through tears, addressed Thyagarajan directly. “Sir, what I would have wanted to do for my son as a father, you are doing for him today. Saying thank you isn’t enough. I cried at this title launch. I want to cry again the day this film releases and becomes a hit.”
The room was packed with industry. Vetrimaaran, who knew about the project before it was announced, said he had been talking with Kathiresan about launching Hari for a long time. “When Kathiresan told me Thyagarajan sir was making this film and that Devayani’s daughter would also be the heroine, that felt right. Devayani has given us many good films. My best wishes to both newcomers, and a happy birthday to Prashanth.”
Vishal, who grew up watching Prashanth’s films, took the chance to acknowledge the parent-child dynamic on stage. “For an actor to stand tall, there has to be strong support behind him. Thyagarajan sir’s vision and effort are why Prashanth still stands at this height today. That’s not a small thing.” He referenced Thiruda Thiruda and Chembaruthi as films he had watched in theatres growing up.
KS Ravikumar’s speech was characteristically warm and slightly chaotic. He said he had come for Prashanth’s birthday and only realised on arriving that it was also a title launch. “Prashanth is dignified, steady, with a child’s heart. That simplicity hasn’t changed in him. He’s the kind of person who makes everyone feel close.”
RK Selvamani offered the most colourful tribute. He claimed credit for giving Prashanth the Kaadhal Ilavarasan tag, called him the equal of Vijayakanth in action and Prabhu Deva in dance, and described him as a kind of one-man film unit who understood direction, editing, music, CG, and now AI long before most of the industry caught up. Director Saran, for his part, claimed credit for the Top Star moniker that has stuck for decades. “Prashanth sir acted in a film and I gave it the title Top Star. The fact that the name still holds gives me real joy.”
GV Prakash, who composes the music for Ranjan, shared a small piece of personal history. “When I was looking for opportunities as a composer, the very first advance I received was from Thyagarajan sir. The film didn’t end up happening, and I still have that advance with me. Working with him now, after all these years, is a real happiness.”
Ravi Yadav handles the cinematography for Ranjan, with Senthil Raghavan as art director. The film is presented by Preethi Thyagarajan and produced by Shanthi Thyagarajan. Producer Kalaipuli Thanu, RK Suresh, Mohanlal, and a long list of directors and technicians were among those who turned up to mark the occasion. RK Suresh also features in the film.
Speaking last, Prashanth kept the focus on the two debutants and his father. “Cinema is one big family for us. Sharing a moment like this with that family means a lot. To my father, who put this team together for me, my heartfelt thanks. Working with him is a happiness.” Shoot is currently underway. More details on Ranjan – The Advocate are expected soon.