With just a week to go for the release of Ken Karunaas' directorial debut Youth, a grand pre-release event was held on Friday which saw Dhanush and Vetri Maaran as chief guests. For the unversed, he had worked with them for the hit film Asuran (2019).

Taking to the stage, Dhanush began his speech by appreciating producer Karuppiah C Ram of Paarvathaa Entertainments for placing his trust in a young filmmaker. “I want to first appreciate producer Karuppaiah. Ken may be talented, but trusting a 23-year-old and bravely backing his film is not an easy decision. Whatever heights the film reaches tomorrow, a major share of the credit belongs to him,” he said. The actor added that Ken should always remain grateful to the producer and give him first preference whenever he calls him for a film in the future.

Praising Ken’s parents, actor Karunas and Grace, Dhanush said raising a child with a kind heart is not easy. He noted that Ken not only possesses talent but also understands the importance of emotionally and financially supporting his parents. “Credit goes to both of you for bringing him up so well. When a son bravely lends his shoulder to his father, success will always follow him,” he remarked.

Dhanush also lauded composer GV Prakash Kumar for working on the film without remuneration. “One needs a big heart to do that. Whether Ken knew me or Karunas asked you, such gestures come only from genuine friendship. You have proven your support through actions,” he said, adding that GV Prakash would become the film’s address, much like how Yuvan Shankar Raja became synonymous with the film Thulluvadho Ilamai.

Later, Dhanush invited Ken’s team on stage and congratulated them. He fondly referred to Ken as “Chidambaram,” recalling his character from their earlier collaboration in Asuran.

The actor also praised the film’s female leads — Meenakshi Dinesh, Anishma Anilkumar and Priyanshi Yadav. Speaking about Anishma, he said he became a “big fan” of her smile after watching her recent film Sirai, which starred LK Akshay Kumar and Vikram Prabhu. “You have such a beautiful, innocent smile that added great value to your previous film,” he noted.

Dhanush further appreciated the film’s cinematographer and costume designer for enhancing its visual appeal.

Recalling his first meeting with Ken during the photoshoot of Asuran, Dhanush revealed that he was initially unconvinced about casting him. “I even called director Vetri Maaran and asked him to consider someone else. Since I was playing a 55-year-old, I felt a younger boy might make it more convincing. But Vetri assured me that he would transform Ken and bring him back. I trusted him,” he said.

He added that he finally saw Ken perform on the first day of shooting and immediately recognised his confidence. “At that moment, I appreciated Vetri’s belief in him. Today, both of us are friends who even spend time playing PUBG together,” Dhanush laughed.

The actor admitted he was surprised when Ken later announced that he wanted to become a director. “I advised him to wait for a few years, work as an assistant director and then direct a film. But he was confident about his abilities. I didn’t want to discourage him,” he said.

Dhanush concluded by acknowledging that Ken had proved him wrong once again. “Just like he surprised me during Asuran, he has done it again. Seeing someone this young achieve so much makes me feel like I may have wasted a lot of time in my early years. I have a lot to learn from you. You have brought your entire team together through trust. At an age when many would get distracted, you are standing here for your family. I am sure Youth will become a massive success,” he said.

Scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, the film also stars Devadarshini and Suraj Venjaramoodu playing Ken's parents.