Santhanam's unreleased film Server Sundaram has been stuck in the cans for over a decade, with financial disputes yet to be cleared for the film to hit theatres. In a recent Instagram video, director Anand Balki expressed his angst on the eight-year-long ardous wait, explained the issues plaguing the movie and hoped that people's support leads to the film's release.
Anand Balki recently empathised with RJ Balaji who broke down on video, expressing his sadness on the the persistent delays that Karuppu faced. "Among the 100 people who had watched this film, 99 of them said they liked it. It pains me even today. The technicians who worked on this movie are still waiting for it to be released. I am very happy for RJ Balaji who witnessed his film's release and was able to enjoy it. Everyday, many filmmakers like me are screaming internally as our films have not hit theatres," he said. The video was shared widely and garnered over a million views, making the filmmaker release another video where he explained the real reasons why his movie is yet to see the light of the day.
Anand said that he was "overwhelmed" by the support he received following the release of his latest video and revealed that major hurdles for Server Sundaram have been cleared. "The producer is working hard to resolve the remaining issues. I have also decided that I will start my next film only after the release of Server Sundaram. I am doing everything I can to support my producer. At present, the film is in its final settlement stage. We need to clear ₹2.5 crores to obtain the NOC. Once that is done and a theatrical release date is locked, only then OTT platforms are ready to make a dea," he elaborated.
Emphasising that they are currently working hard to arrange the required money, Anand said he had reached out to several noted individuals as well as production houses to help him out. "A lot of people would say that the film is entangled like a 'Idiyappam', but it hurts everyone, including artists and technicians. I am confident that, with all your blessings and support, Server Sundaram will be released very soon," he added, assuring that the film will be worth everyone's wait and "exceed audience's expectations."
"Please share this message. Please spread the word. Because ultimately, it is the people who decide the fate of cinema. Your voice has power. Your support has power," he further wrote on the caption of his video, thanking people for "keeping Server Sundaram alive."
Starring Santhanam as a chef, Server Sundaram's cast also includes Bijesh Nagesh, veteran comedian Nagesh’s grandson in his debut, and Vaibhavi Shandilya in her Tamil debut. Rajan and Balaji also star in the film. Santhanam's another long-delayed film Madha Gaja Raja from director Sundar C, starring Vishal, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam, Anjali, and Sonu Sood, hit theatres in January last year, after a long delay.
The film's title is a tribute to Nagesh's classic film Server Sundaram, the rights to which its makers bought from AVM Productions. The film was earlier set to release on January 31, 2020, coinciding with Nagesh's death anniversary, but it missed the release slot. Earlier this year, the makers hinted that the movie might release for Pongal. However, it failed to release during that time as well.
Server Sundaram also explores themes of Tamil Nadu's traditional cuisine and offers a social message regarding corporate messaging regarding nutritious values in food items.
On the technical front, it has music by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography by PK Varma, and editing by Dinesh Ponraj. The producers include Selva Kumar J of Kenanya Films as well as Miraacle Movies' R Radhakrishnan, R Balachandar, and R Thirunavukkarasu.