At the Thaai Kizhavi pre-release event on Monday, Sarath Kumar spoke about what to expect from the Radikaa headliner and also addressed the clash between his Aazhi and the Sivakumar Murugesan directorial.
Speaking about the clash, Sarath Kumar said that he wanted to avoid it at all costs, but fate had other plans. “I had the opportunity to watch Thaai Kizhavi, and it filled me with immense joy. Pounthaai is brilliant in the film. Thaai Kizhavi was initially slated for release on February 20. My film Aazhi was also scheduled for the same day, and I requested my director and producer postpone our release by a week because I felt we should not compete with a strong film like Thaai Kizhavi. But as fate would have it, that film too was pushed by a week, and now both films are releasing together on February 27."
He then went back 30 odd years and recalled when two of his own films clashed with each other. "This situation reminded me of 1994, when Aranmanai Kavalan and Captain were ready around the same time. Both producers wanted to release the films on the same day. Though I asked if one could be postponed, they were firm, and both films were released on February 25, 1994. "Thankfully, both ran in theatres for 100 days," he explained, hoping for a similar success for Radikaa's film.
He said, "More than wishing for Aazhi to succeed, I hope Thaai Kizhavi runs for 100 days, because I win if my wife wins. What I liked most about the film is the way it highlights the importance of women. In villages, a Thaai Kizhavi, or godmother, is seen as equal to God, because she gives only love and makes sacrifices for her family."
Sarath Kumar reserved specific words of praise for his wife, Radikaa. "When Radikaa first signed the film, she was worried that the title would stick to her. I assured her it would not, though I would tease her by calling her ‘Thaai Kizhavi’. It is a catchy title, and it is a blessing that she got to play such a powerful role. Doing a film like this requires immense self-confidence, and that confidence is why she has remained in the hearts of audiences for nearly 50 years. The film conveys its message beautifully without turning preachy.”
Thaai Kizhavi also stars Raichal Rabecca, Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth, Muthukumar, Aruldoss, Singampuli, Ilavarasu and George Mariyan. On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Vivek Vijayakumar, editing by San Lokesh and music by Nivas K Prasanna. The film, backed by Sivakarthikeyan's SK Productions, is gearing up for release on February 27.