Venkat Prabhu: Adult-comedy remains an unexplored genre in India

The trailer launch of Venkat Prabhu's upcoming film, Manmadha Leelai was held earlier today in Chennai. The event was attended by Venkat, lead actors Ashok Selvan, Samyuktha Hegde, Riya Suman, music composer of the film, Premgi Amaren, and other cast and creators of the film.

Poochi Murugan, the Vice President of Nadigar Sangam, Producer T Siva of Amma Creations, ace cinematographer Sakthi Saravanan, actors Nithin Sathya and Balaji were the chief guests.

The event started off with the team, along with T Siva, donating Rs 5 lakhs to Poochi Murugan for the construction of the Nadigar Sangam building.

Manmadha Leelai is Venkat Prabhu's venture into the genre of adult-comedy. Speaking about choosing such a genre, he said, "I think we aren't doing proper adult-comedy films now. It remains an unexplored genre. I sometimes look back to Bhagyaraj films, and those were big inspirations to me."

"I wish we can make content like American Pie or Sex Education in India, but we still have some restrictions on that. I'm sure Manmadha Leelai is a good step towards that. There is no vulgar content in this film. Coming from a family such as mine, I wouldn't do a vulgar film," he added.

Speaking at the event, Ashok Selvan said that the film is completely in contrast to the film he has done till now and that it was a dream come true to have worked with director Venkat. "I still remember the time my friend and I watched Chennai 28 in theatres, and now, I have worked with Venkat sir."

"Manmadha Leelai is a complete entertainer, and it puts out no ill intentions to the audience. I am sure that the audience will love what we have done," he added.

Samyuktha thanked Ashok for persistently insisting on the film getting a theatrical release. "It has a lot of theatrical moments. When Venkat sir was thinking of an OTT premiere, Ashok kept pleading with him to release this film in the theatre, and I'm so glad for that," she said.

Riya, who plays another female lead in the film, thanked Ashok for being a supporting co-star. "I had a lot of inhibitions to do a film like this, but I really wanted to work with Venkat sir. I thank Ashok for being such a wonderful co-actor," she said.