'Tamil cinema won't get National Awards for the next five years'

Lyricist Yugabharathi's comments spark outrage at the audio launch of Kannirasi
Kannirasi audio launch
Kannirasi audio launch

Audio launches are usually tepid affairs but that of Kannirasi, which took place earlier today, was anything but. Lyricist Yugabharathi, who has written three songs for the film, thanked the director for not trying anything outrageous and instead delivering a simple family comedy. "For these are trying times and we need a lot to help us laugh for the next five years, when we won't win a single National Award."

The comments sparked outrage amidst a section of reporters covering the event, but the lyricist, always outspoken, maintained his stance till the end, saying no proper recognition had been given to the Tamil industry, despite it providing some really good cinema in the past year. Yugabharathi also pointed to director Vasantabalan's post on social media as one that supported his stance.

Prior to this speech, other members of the cast and crew shared their much less controversial thoughts. Vishal Chandrasekhar, the film's music director, spoke about how Kannirasi had a lot of firsts for him. "Working with Vimal, Varu (Varalaxmi), Yogi Babu, and Robo Shankar for the first time. Over and above that, to record Chitra ma'am for the Golu song was unforgettable. I had earlier worked on a rural subject called Appuchi Gramam but that was a sci-fi film. This, however, is a comedy. I have always felt it would be tough to do re-recording for this genre, and Kannirasi proved me right."

Robo Shankar expressed his delight at sharing screen space with his godfather, director-actor Pandiarajan. "His story, of a 19-year-old who came to this city with dreams of directing, and succeeded at it, is something that should serve as a great lesson for all today's youngsters."

Muthukumaran, the film's director, also recalled a fond conversation with Pandiarajan. "I remember how he chided me for choosing Kannirasi as the film's title. He told me he faced a lot of troubles after choosing such a title and had to wait nearly two years for his film to release. As it turned out, this Kannirasi too faced several delays and is now finally getting a release. My second film, Dharmaprabhu, got released before this. But I am just happy this is finally coming out," he said, adding, "I am grateful to Vimal, because without his trust in a debutant like me, I wouldn't be the director I am today."

The film's leads Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Vimal talked about their acting experiences. Varalaxmi mentioned that this is the first comedy she has done since Madha Gaja Raja (unreleased), and then added in a self-deprecating way: "Finally, a film where I have acted like a girl." Vimal piped in with: "True. At times, the way she used to even say 'okay' after a shot made me feel like I was working with a man." Vimal went on to say, "It was great to be a part of this film, my 24th, which is releasing after my 25th film, Kalavani 2."

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