What it is about…
Thirukumaran Entertainers’ Soodhu Kavum, produced by C.V. Kumar and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, features Vijay Sethupathy, Sanjitha Shetty, M.S. Bhasker, Ramesh, Bobby, Ashok, Karunakaran and Radha Ravi in important roles. The camera is handled by Dinesh Krishnan, editing is by Leo John Paul, the music is scored by Santhosh Narayanan and the art is taken care of by Vijay Adhinathan. The movie tells the story of four unemployed youth who are joined by the hero. The film is a mix of comedy and crime, a formula for box office success. The audio CD was launched in the presence of the film’s unit, besides bigwigs in the industry.
Music highlights
‘Come na Come’ is a song with a young feel. It has a funky rhythm and features the legendary violinist Phil Hartl, who has played with greats such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and George Benson. Ganesh Kumar B has penned the lyrics and he and Chinna have sung it. ‘Mama Douser’ has a big band/blues arrangement with Andrea Jeremiah’s powerful voice blending with the trumpet played by ‘Trumpet’ Babu. ‘Ellam Kadandhu Pogumada’ is an authentic 50s song with acoustics arranged beautifully by RR (Sean Roldan). It is rendered by Kovai Jaleel in the style of A.M. Raja — an ode to the legendary singer. The song, written by RR, talks about life and peace. ‘Sudden Delight’ is a powerful track with electronic music played by the Studio Orchestra of Sydney with Rob Mass singing the lines of Adhi (Hip Hop Thamizha). The studio orchestra is at its best in ‘Sa Ga’ which is sung by Divya Ramani. ‘Kaasu Panam’, written by Gana Bala, is also sung by him along with Antony Dasan. There are shades of Gana and free style rap in this progressive house number.
What they say…
Producer C.V. Kumar: After two hits Attakathi and Pizza , I want my next film also to be a box office hit. That’s why it was important to find a good story and an able director. Karthik Subburaj, who directed Pizza, introduced me to Nalan Kumarasamy. When he told the story of Soodhu , it was engaging from the very first scene. Hence, I told him to go ahead and finish the film, and I am satisfied with the final product.
Director Nalan Kumarasamy: I am an engineer involved in the real estate business in Tiruchi. I have no background in cinema. I was a winner of the Kalaignar TV programme ‘Nalaiya Iyakkunar’. After this, I did ‘Kanaakkaanum Kalangal’ on Vijay TV. I also did eight short films — 7 for Kalaignar TV and one for Vijay TV. When I narrated the story of Soodhu to producer Kumar he liked it and asked me to do the full script.
Hero Vijay Sethupathi: When I heard the script, I was keen on a role in the film. As the 40-year-old man in the movie, I am sure my performance will go down well with the audience. I commend the director for he has done his job meticulously.
Music director Santhosh Narayanan: My association with producer Kumar extends with Soodhu Kavvum and I am happy that I got to do the music for the film. The songs have been mastered by Steve Smart, who has mastered songs for leading international singers such as Madonna, and cut vinyl records for Michael Jackson, the Beatles and others. I have experimented with the songs of Soodhu Kavvum infusing various genres of music, involving big names in the business along with new talent, and this has resulted in a unique sound. After the release of the album, I have received a lot of appreciation from those who have heard it.
