Viduthalai Part 1 Audio and Trailer Launch
RS Infotainment Eldred Kumar presents ‘Viduthalai Part 1’, directed by Vetrimaaran, featuring Soori and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles, has musical score by Isaignani Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The audio and the trailer launch of this film was held last evening (March 8), where the occasion commenced with the younger generation of musicians and singers performing the evergreen songs of Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja followed by the audio-trailer launch.
Here are some of the excerpts from the occasion.
Producer Eldred Kumar, RS Infotainment said, “Viduthalai is a 10 year journey, and I am so glad that the long run dream has come true. I thank Suresh Balaji sir for giving the title ‘Viduthalai’. Vetrimaaran sir is a treasure to the Tamil film industry. I request him to take care and spend time for himself. We all need him and the Tamil film lovers too. Tamil cinema has witnessed the arrival of many music directors, but Ilaiyaraaja sir keeps ruling our hearts. He is around 80yrs old, but still his energy, dedication and hard work has never faded. Even today, he is working leading filmmakers like Vetrimaaran, Venkat Prabhu and many others. It’s a gift that Viduthalai has got his music. Vijay Sethupathi is an unusual performer, who just came, attempted his best, and struck the gold. Without his presence, Viduthalai would be an empty space. I always keep admiring him on the shooting spot. His dedication and involvement for every role he does is so spellbinding. We at RS Infotainment are glad that we have introduced Soori as the protagonist in this movie, and I thank Vetrimaaran for creating this opportunity. Soori has sacrificed a lot of projects for this film, and even the financial factors. He developed a new lifestyle and was constantly on diet for a couple of years to retain his physical look. This film will elevate his level in the industry. All of us have become the ardent fan of actress Bhavani Sre. I am confident that her fan base will be huge after the film’s release. I thank my friend Gautham Vasudev Menon for being a part of this movie. I thank Rajeev Menon sir for accepting this project. Chetan sir has been a great support, and his character is so powerful in this movie. Velraj sir has been a great pillar for this movie. All the actors and technicians have been an immense support. I take this opportunity to thank Mani, my co-producer for his unfading energy and enthusiasm throughout the project. Not but not the least, I thank Red Giant Movies for showing interest on this film. They had earlier released my movies Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya and Ko, which were great hits.”
Art Director Jackie said, “My heartiest thanks to Vetrimaaran for he keeps feeding me with lots of works. This movie is so special, and we have erected lot of phenomenal set works. This is the first time, I am meeting the producer. He would never visit the shooting spot, but I got everything that I demanded. If not for his support, this movie would have not achieved the final output as now. Soori has become the content-driven hero, and Velraj’s support has been immense. His visuals have offered a realistic shade to the entire film.”
Shiju Prabhakaran, Zee5 said, “We are happy to be associated with Viduthalai. I am a big fan of Vetrimaaran’s films. He has done 5 movies over a couple of decades, but has been adored as the great inspiration for his storytelling. I congratulate all the artistes and technicians of this film, and I wish them great success.”
Actor Chetan said, “I have no words to share the experience of working in this film. It’s been great. I thank Vetrimaaran sir for giving this opportunity. My journey with Vijay Sethupathi during the shoot will be cherishing moments for me. I thank the whole cast and crew for their lovely support. Thank You all.”
Lyricist Suka said, “I thank Maestro Ilaiyaraaja sir for making me a part of this movie. Vetrimaaran, Vijay Sethupathi and Soori are like my brothers. All present here for this occasion was so close to me. I am glad that Rajeev Menon is a part of this project. I am so happy that Vetrimaaran is listed as one of the best filmmakers of country.”
Producer Kalaipuli S Thanu said, “When I used to see Vetrimaaran, he would be involved in Viduthalai. He is a phenomenal sculptor with unconditional passion. He has become the favourite of our country’s leading filmmakers and actors. Vetri has achieved so much, but with a humble heart. After watching the trailer, I immediately called Vijay Sethupathi and appreciated his awe-inspiring performance. I also told Soori that his hard work and relentless involvement for this film will take him great heights. Every technician and actor have made the movie look more grandeur. I wish them all a good success.”
Actress Bhavani Sre said, “The entire process of working in Viduthalai has endowed me an unforgettable experience. I earnestly thank Vetrimaaran sir for this opportunity. Soori sir is an extraordinary performer. This is my second movie with Vijay Sethupathi sir, and I really love his performance. To be a part of movie that features musical score by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja sir is a blessing. I thank producer Eldred Kumar sir for making me a part of this movie. Thank you all.”
Cinematographer Rajeev Menon said, “I am an accidental actor here. I had got more acting offers, but I kept rejecting them. Vetrimaaran’s confidence and conviction is what it inspired and motivated me to be a part of this project. He has done a mountaineering for this movie, and his efforts will be visible with the film. I thank everyone in the team for their phenomenal support. Thank you all.”
Writer Jeyamohan said, “The whole team has exerted an impeccable effort and energy into the project. Vetrimaaran has executed the project so well, and has translated the words into the visuals brilliantly. He has made the image of actors disappear, and transformed them into the characters. Ilaiyaraaja sir is my Guru, He has delivered a realistic music for this film. I wish the entire, a great success.”
Director Vetrimaaran said, “Viduthalai started with Ilaiyaraaja sir. I approached him for his approval, and he has asked what’s the film all about. I revealed my plans of shooting few portions, and show him the visuals. I shot the film nearly for 45 minutes and screened it for him. He immediately started writing lyrics and composing the ‘Kaattu Malli’ song. Later, I asked him for the background score so that it would be helpful for me to shoot the scenes in a better way. He exactly delivered the music, which completely synched with my expectations. I feel gifted to experience the working of his musical mind. I learnt a lot, when he shared his life experiences. Everyone here grew up listening to his music. The entire crew is elated to have his presence in this project.”
Music Director Ilaiyaraaja said, “The premise of Viduthalai will be completely new to Tamil Cinema. His movies are more like the waves that relentlessly keeps occurring, but they are not same. Vetrimaaran is an important director in the film industry, and this comes from me, who has composed music for 1500 movies. You all will listen to music that you hadn’t experienced before.”
Actor Soori said, “Ilaiayaraaja sir is the Hero of this event. I would say that, he has been the hero for the past 45 years, right from his debut film. I am so glad and feel proud to be a part of such a project that features musical score by Isaignani Ilaiayaraaja sir. I owe a lot to Vetrimaaran sir for giving this opportunity. I feel that my parents’ goodwill has made me a part of such a huge project, which has created a new way for me. Vijay Sethupathi is the only one, who keeps pushing his co-stars and technicians to achieve greater levels. Both of us worked together in the movie ‘Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu’, and during that time, he encouraged me stating, “Don’t define yourself as a comedian, and you’ve the potential to score high as a performer.” When he came to the shooting spot of Viduthalai, he shook hands with Vetrimaaran sir, and thanked him for giving this opportunity for me. I am sure that Bhavani will have more fans after the film’s release. I wish Chetan sir, who is well known as small screen Kamal Haasan, and now he will be adored as ‘Silver Screen’ Sivaji Ganesan. The entire team has done a remarkable job, and everyone’s contribution from the team has made Viduthalai more special for all of us. Producer Eldred Kumar’s passion for cinema is unconditional. He would say that ‘Cinema is like Goddess, and we have to keep adoring it, and it will give back when we need.’ The amount of money he has spent for the diesel can be used for the production of one full-length feature film. He would always ensure that everyone on the shooting spot were comfortable. Vetrimaaran sir has a huge fan following like any other mainstream actors. I still remember the moment, when he narrated the script, and I was like, I am going to play a comedian role. Finally, when he revealed that I am playing the lead role, I had to control my emotions, and then came out excited. However, the process of materializing Viduthalai wasn’t an easy process. It passed through the several odds and challenges including COVID-19. Finally, to see that the film is gearing up for release soon gives me immense pleasure. Vetrimaaran sir’s instructions and inputs has added Golden-touch on me. I am sure that you all will love this movie. Thank you.”
Actor Vijay Sethupathi said, “Working with Vetrimaaran sir has been a bliss. I was totally disappointed for not getting the opportunity to work with him Vada Chennai. I didn’t even watch the movie, and even the beautiful song, as I regretted for missing the great chance. But then, I worked with him in Viduthalai that endowed me an unforgettable experience. I am so glad that my friend Soori has got a new avatar as a performer through this movie. I thank Eldred Kumar sir for creating this project. Ilaiyaraaja sir’s music is so intense and fascinating. His Midas-touch for this movie has added more value to the film. I also humbly request you all to listen to his speech without interrupting as he owns a vast experience, which could help us in many ways.