As Bharathiraja started off with his trademark “ En Iniya Tamil Makkale… ”, the venue resounded with cheers and claps. Speaking at the audio launch of his new flick Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum , he said, “I share a special connection with Madurai though I am from Theni. The city’s colourful culture and warm people have impacted me in many ways.” He went on to attribute his knowledge in art and language to his formative years spent in the temple town.
A pioneer in showcasing the rural milieu in Tamil cinema, Bharathiraja has introduced nearly 44 stars to the industry. On his passion for pastoral subjects, he said, “Cinema took me to Chennai. But, I took cinema to the villages. And that’s my achievement. I always wanted to depict the life of a layman.”
Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum also being Bharathiraja’s 50th creation has aroused high expectations among fans. Apart from the fact that it will be another trademark Bharathiraja film, the director and other crew members remained tight-lipped about the details. Manoj Bharathiraja and Karthika play the lead in the film for which the music is composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar. Apart from Vairamuthu, Gangai Amaran has penned the lyrics. All the six songs sound earthy.
Famous faces from the industry who had worked closely with Bharathiraja lavished praise on the director. K. Bhagyaraj and actor Radhika recalled some lighter moments, while Radha thanked Bharathiraja for choosing her daughter Karthika to play the role of Annakodi. Director Bhagyaraj chose the occasion to announce the title of his upcoming film, Thunai Muthalvar Unopposed .
Another highlight of the event was the presence of the two ‘rajas’ on the dais — Bharathiraja and Ilaiyaraja. The duo spoke about their successful journey in cinema. Radhika praised Bharathiraja for depicting women as strong characters in his films. Producer Rajkannu said that Pathinaaru Vayathinile was the first Tamil film to have been shot in natural light and settings.
The mega event attracted a multitude of fans apart from Kollywood’s glitterati such as actors Satyaraj and Ramesh Kanna and directors Parthiban, Susindhran and Sargunam. Later, the audio of Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum was released by Ilaiyaraja and received by Balu Mahendra.
