Fanning popularity

After showing their love for their screen idols in many ways, fans are now making videos and albums that are growing in popularity.

May 21, 2015 08:29 pm | Updated 08:47 pm IST

Still from Veeram movie. Photo: Special Arrangement

Still from Veeram movie. Photo: Special Arrangement

“Anna, it’s for you from the bottom of our hearts,” says Ram Kumar in the video ‘We Love Puli’ . Ram Kumar, a technician in actor Vijay’s upcoming film Puli, made the video when he realised that everyone in the crew was a diehard Vijay fan. “It is dedicated to all Vijay fans,” he adds. In the very next shot, assistant cinematographer Mani appears and declares his love for the actor. Other team members of Puli from various departments including stunt, production, VFX team, art, and also his security men and drivers, record their admiration for the actor on screen and off it too in the fan-made video. People who have worked with him behind the camera recall their association and how they treat him as a member of their family.

‘We Love Puli’ , released yesterday on YouTube, has been viewed and liked by over 40,000 fans. This is becoming a trend. Many young aspiring film makers, musicians and technicians now make video albums of their screen idols. “It is our way showing our love,” says film maker G. Shyam Sundar. His album ‘Shyam’s Thala Da 2015 punch version’ is his tribute to actor Ajith, who is called thala by his fans. Released on YouTube it has crossed over 20,000 views and has reached the actor’s fans not just in Tamil Nadu, but also in places like Singapore and Malaysia. Shyam has composed the song, written the lyrics and has also acted in it. “Mash up videos are passé, now independent videos are well received. Recently, the 'Dandanakka' song, sung by music director Anirudh in the yet-to-be-released film Romeo Juliet has built up hype as a tribute to actor-director T.Rajendar,” he says. Shyam’s Thala Da is now featured on Kalaignar TV too. “I have used famous dialogues of Ajith from some of his recent hits films including Veeram , Billa , Mankatha and Aarambam . Many of his overseas fans called and congratulated me. And the local fans have been highly appreciative too. They put up a huge banner of the album during the release of Ajith’s new film Yennai Arindhaal,” he says .

Such fan videos help aspiring film makers raise revenue too, says cameraman Kalidas K.S., who also worked on a pop music album on Ajith titled Thala Da . “Once the number of hits on YouTube crosses 30,000 or more, it indicates that the message has worked and reached the target audience. And, advertisers show interest in the films. But, it works only when there is quality work,” he says.

Kalidas, who has worked as associate cameraman in Selvaraghavan’s films such as 7G Rainbow Colony , Pudhupettai and also done a cameo in Kaadhal Kondein , says such fan albums help them express their love. “You also grab the attention of millions of fans of the stars, and it is a great opportunity for instant fame.”

When Kalidas’s musician friend V. Karthikaivelan composed the song, and asked for help in making the video, Kalidas readily agreed. “We tried a new technique with neon effects, something like what actor Simbu did in his immensely popular album ‘Love Anthem’. The pop beats and the presence of the larger-than-life persona of Ajith ensured that the album was a big hit. This album is on top of the charts on Sun Music Channel,” he says.

Check out

We Love Puli >http://bit.ly/1IQQc28

Shyam’s Thala Da 2015 punch version >http://bit.ly/1PYa7g2

Thala Da >http://bit.ly/1c6HsIg

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