Yogi Babu's Singgaramm heads for October 30 release

Yogi Babu’s Singgaramm is heading to theatres worldwide on October 30, with a story that follows a man from the Narikuravar community into politics and eventually the Legislative Assembly. Written and directed by K.V. Kathirvelu, the film brings humour and family emotions to a narrative about dignity, equal rights and the discrimination faced by the community. Its trailer was unveiled as the cast, crew and guests came together ahead of the release.

Produced by A.S. Ramana Balaji and Padmavathi Gandhi under Raack Productions, Singgaramm has music by Sam C.S. Kathirvelu said he had undertaken extensive research into the community’s history and background before developing the story. He wanted to address the unequal respect people receive depending on their power and position, while making a film families could enjoy together.

Yogi Babu thanked Kathirvelu, Ramana Balaji and the team for trusting him with the part. He also remembered Manobala and Marimuthu, both of whom acted in the film, speaking with particular affection about the support Manobala had always given him. The actor acknowledged the encouragement he had received throughout the project and asked audiences to watch the film in theatres.

For Ramana Balaji, the occasion brought together a 27-year journey as a dancer and choreographer and the collective effort behind Raack Productions. He spoke about the people who had helped him along the way, the importance of continuing to give artistes opportunities, and his belief that cinema could change perspectives and encourage people in their own lives. Singgaramm had come through several challenges, he said, crediting his director, cast and technicians and recalling Yogi Babu’s support at different stages.

Co-producer Diwakar thanked his uncle Karthikeyan, his family, Kathirvelu and Ramana Balaji for helping bring the project to life. He remembered the advice and encouragement Manobala and Marimuthu had offered during the shoot, praised M.S. Bhaskar’s dedication, and acknowledged the work of Sam C.S., cinematographer Prasanna S. Kumar, editor Lawrence Kishore and the technical team.

Sabbita Roi shared one of the more personal details from the shoot: the speech and dialect she had learnt for her character stayed with her even after she returned home. This was her second collaboration with Kathirvelu, and she had already worked with Yogi Babu in four films. Along with thanking the producers, she recalled how much she had learnt from Manobala and Marimuthu.

Costume designer and actor NJ Sathya spoke warmly about Yogi Babu helping him find an acting opportunity in the film and encouraging other artistes too. Yogi Babu had spoken about that willingness to support new talent at the Arjunan Per Paththu launch, inviting assistant directors to approach him with good stories. For Sathya, working alongside experienced performers had been a learning experience; he described Singgaramm as a mix of comedy and emotional moments.

Badava Gopi brought his own production experience to the conversation, observing that getting a completed film into theatres was a substantial undertaking in itself. He praised Ramana Balaji’s contribution to organising the dance profession and expressed happiness that the team had brought Singgaramm to this stage. He also appreciated Kathirvelu’s portrayal of the community and its social circumstances.

Java Sundaresan welcomed the choice of a story about lives that have received too little attention on screen. Having admired Kathirvelu’s earlier Rajavamsam, he praised the director’s work, Yogi Babu’s generosity towards others and the emotional quality of Sam C.S.’s song. K.M. Ganeshkar, meanwhile, described the preparation that went into the cast’s costumes, accessories and mannerisms. He singled out M.S. Bhaskar’s commitment and the advice Yogi Babu offered his fellow performers.

T.S.R. Srinivasan offered an affectionate tribute to the lead actor, saying his performance reminded him of watching M.G. Ramachandran on screen. He also acknowledged Kathirvelu’s 15 years of effort and used the occasion to call for more opportunities, fair pay and recognition for experienced artistes. Art director Gururaj expressed his happiness at being part of the film and said watching the trailer had delighted him.

Special guest R.V. Udayakumar appreciated the central idea of a Narikuravar man becoming an MLA and the socially conscious themes Kathirvelu had chosen to explore. He praised Yogi Babu for retaining his simplicity as a leading actor and extended his wishes to the cast and technicians on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Film Directors Association.

The ensemble also includes Vela Ramamoorthy, Maria Vincent, Chaams, Aarthi Ganesh, Kalki, Sendrayan and Deepa Shankar. The technical team includes lyricist Viveka and stunt choreographer Phantom Pradeep, alongside Sam C.S., Prasanna S. Kumar, Lawrence Kishore and Gururaj. Singgaramm opens in cinemas on October 30.