After multiple postponements, Server Sundaram, debutant and chef-turned-director Anand Balki's long-delayed film, starring Santhanam, is finally set to release in theatres soon. The other day, the makers of the film announced the news through Think Music, although they are yet to reveal the specific release date. However, in an announcement video and a teaser, they mention the taglines, "Poruthathu pothum pongi ezhu" and "Thai pirandhal vazhi pirakkum," indirectly alluding to the film's Pongal release. They also said, "Some stories take time… because they’re cooked with soul," referring to the long-delayed development. It comes shortly after the postponement of the release of Vijay's Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth.
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. Interestingly, this is the second Santhanam film over the last twelves months to have such a long-delayed release. In January last year, director Sundar C's Madha Gaja Raja, starring Vishal, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Santhanam, Anjali, and Sonu Sood, hit theatres 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. Even then, it was delayed by a few years due to financial disputes between the film's producers and members of its distribution team. The producers include Selva Kumar J of Kenanya Films as well as Miraacle Movies' R Radhakrishnan, R Balachandar, and R Thirunavukkarasu.
The film 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.
