Set to helm the much-anticipated Dharman (Thalaivar 173) starring Rajinikanth and backed by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, director Ashwath Marimuthu described the project as a “historic moment” for Tamil cinema during the film’s launch event.
“What is happening here is history,” Ashwath said. “Every filmmaker dreams of making a film with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. To direct a film starring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan is something extraordinary. We are blessed to witness and be a part of this.”
The director went on to express his gratitude to Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Mahendran, Disney, and the production team for making the project possible. He also thanked Silambarasan and AGS Productions for their support and contribution, expressing that they helped pave the way for him to realise his dream.
Speaking on the film’s music, Ashwath revealed that this will be his maiden collaboration with composer Anirudh Ravichander, saying, “We have eight songs in the film, and each one belongs to a different genre. I’m eagerly waiting to work with him. This is going to be an agmark Anirudh album.”
The filmmaker also affirmed that shooting will commence on Thursday, with the first schedule featuring Rajinikanth’s introductory song. He extended his thanks to actress Simran and Raashi Khanna, while promising to disclose further information about the characters at a later stage. “Every character in the film has a unique identity,” he said.
In sharing his experience working with Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, Ashwath recounted his first meeting with Kamal, “I always had a fear about meeting Kamal sir. I kept wondering what questions he would ask me about my films. But when I met him, he simply told me, ‘I am a Rajini fan. Do a Rajini film.’ That immediately put me at ease.”
Ashwath revealed that Rajinikanth has been equally supportive and encouraging throughout the process, “After I met him, he sent me a voice note saying that we have to do this for RKFI and Kamal Haasan. He told me we need to win and asked me not to take it for granted.”
The filmmaker noted that some of his creative inspirations for the project were drawn from Kollywood’s classics. “Padayappa (1999) is my favourite film in Rajinikanth’s filmography, while Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006) is one of my favourites from Kamal sir’s career. In a way, this film will be a mix of both those worlds.”
Concluding his speech, Ashwath affirmed that “Doctor Swag” is coming to set the screens on fire and that filming is set to commence on Thursday.
Source: Cinema Express
