''THANGAMAGAN HAS A BETTER STORY THAN VIP''

Director Velraj talks to Behindwoods correspondent Avinash Pandian about what people can expect from Thangamagan. Coming after a blockbuster film like VIP, the expectations are soaring high, but the calm and composed Velraj looks very confident about Thangamagan’s outcome. Glance down to read what the director feels about the film.

 

Why do you feel this film will satisfy its huge expectations?

 

This film will carry all the necessary commercial elements of VIP plus more. Be it comedy, action, sentiment or love, Thangamagan will surely out do VIP in every segment. It has a very interesting story. I would say it has a better story than VIP. We have made a thoroughly enjoyable movie that an entire family can sit and savor.

 

Was it a planned move to reveal the storyline in the trailer?

 

Yeah, that was a planned move. People were on the assumption that Thangamagan will be a sequel to VIP and we wanted to change that thought. So we had to break that by revealing the story through the trailer. We felt it was essential in this case, but since the film has the right proportion of essential components that could keep the audience hooked up, it is not too much of a concern that they already know the story.

 

How useful was it to have an actor like Dhanush by your side? Did you have him in mind while writing the script?

 

Yes, this film was written keeping Dhanush in mind. It is always a boon to have a multi-talented actor like Dhanush in your team. The way his character has shaped up is very satisfying and I hope the audience accepts it too.

 

Tell us something about KS Ravikumar? It looks like an unconventional choice.

 

Samuthirakani played Dhanush’s father in VIP. The role won him many accolades. And when we were thinking who else could reprise that role, our first option was KS Ravikumar. We approached him and he was okay with the idea.  Like how Samuthirakani’s role was highly talked about, I am sure KS Ravikumar’s role in Thangamagan will also fetch him name and fame. 

 

VIP’s album was released in Feb 2014 and the film in July 2014. So the album had a solid space to grow on the audience, which also helped the film during its release. But that is not the case with Thangamagan. Why is that so? Why does it look like a hurried project?

 

Thangamagan songs are already doing very well. Moreover the opening is huge. It’s bigger than what we had for VIP. So as long as we get a good opening, it is all fine.

 

About Anirudh’s music?

 

The songs are already doing well. The BGM will have everything that is essential for a hit film. I am very happy with his work.

 

Did you have any difficulties making Amy Jackson look like a Chennai girl?

 

No, not at all, you will enjoy her performance on screen.

 

How much of an effect will the external factors play a part in Thangamagan’s outcome - say for example the floods and the never ending list of Christmas releases which is hardly a week away?

 

We feel bad about what Chennai had to go through in the past month or so. But slowly things have gotten back to normalcy. I don’t think that will affect the prospects of the film. I also feel that there is a fan base for Dhanush and the VIP team. We are confident with our product and are sure it will have its share of audience to entertain even after Christmas.