Press Meet for the Film ‘Antharan’ Starring Prajin, Releasing in Theaters on June 25th
A press meet was held in Chennai for the film ‘Antharan,’ produced by M.K. Sambasivam under the banner of Sri Girish Pictures, directed by Santhosh Ravanan, and starring actor Prajin as the protagonist.
‘Antharan’ features a cast including Prajin, Ivana Varun, Anupama Kumar, Athiran Pathman, ‘Aruvi’ Bala, M.K. Sambasivam, Ramesh Babu, Arjun Dev, Priyanka Selvi, Aishwarya Kannan, and VJ Raju, among others. Kishore Ramachandran handled the cinematography for the film, while Hari S.R. composed the music. The editing was executed by Ignatius Ashwin and Sathish Kurosawa, with Sasikumar overseeing the art direction. Produced as a gripping crime thriller, the film was directed by Santhosh Ravanan and produced by M.K. Sambasivam on behalf of Sri Girish Pictures.
An event to promote the film—which is set to release in theaters worldwide starting this coming June 25th—was held in Chennai. The event was attended by the film’s crew, along with special guests including producer C.V. Kumar, actress Sandra, ‘Bigg Boss’ Sabari, and ‘Vikkals’ Vikram.
Speaking at the event, actor ‘Vikkals’ Vikram remarked: “It was through ‘Bigg Boss’ that Prajin, the protagonist of this film, became my friend. For those who participate in the ‘Bigg Boss’ show, a new history is created—marking a distinct ‘before’ and ‘after’ in their lives. Furthermore, through the film ‘Antharan’—in which my friend Prajin has starred—I wish for Prajin’s career progression to be defined by a clear distinction: ‘Before Antharan’ and ‘After Antharan.’ I am certain that this will indeed be the case.
While inside the ‘Bigg Boss’ house, he would frequently recount various incidents and experiences from his journey in the film industry.” “I wish this film, featuring his performance, immense success,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, actress Ivana Varun said, “This is my debut film. For that very reason, this movie is incredibly special to me. I would like to express my gratitude to the entire team for the support and affection they extended to me on the sets. The experiences I had during the shoot are truly unforgettable.
We are artists; we express emotions through the characters we portray. Through this medium, we connect with our audience. I am confident that this film will resonate with every fan. I urge everyone to come to the theaters on June 25th to watch and enjoy this movie.”
Director Santhosh Ravanan stated, “I initially sent the script for this film to the producer, Sambasivam, via email. After reading it, he responded within two days, saying, ‘The story is excellent, but I am unable to produce it at this moment.’ Six months later, he called me again and asked, ‘My friend, Rajendra Prasad, is visiting; could you narrate the story to him?’ I narrated the story, and he, too, loved it. It was solely due to the immense support provided by Rajendra Prasad that Producer Sambasivam decided to commence work on this film. Subsequently, even when we faced challenging circumstances, Sambasivam honored the promise he had made to me; he completed the production and is now releasing the film. For this, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to him. Furthermore, he has played the character of ‘Shankar’—the female lead’s father—in this movie. He serves as both the protagonist and the antagonist in the story, and I thank him for taking on that dual role as well.
I never actually conversed with the female lead on the sets. This was because I do not understand the Hindi she speaks, and she does not understand the English I speak. Consequently, I had to work with her through an assistant who was fluent in both Hindi and English. However, her performance on screen is truly delightful to watch.
The title ‘Antharan’ signifies a ‘Hunter.’ A ‘Hunter’ is defined as someone who lies in wait to strike. In our daily lives, we encounter and move past many such things.” However, we tend to recognize the gravity of a situation only after it has resulted in adverse consequences. ‘Antharan’ centers around just such a premise. I cannot elaborate on it at this moment; the audience will fully grasp it once they watch the film.
This movie is inspired by a case currently pending in court. I have not yet shared any details regarding this specific case with the producer. I will speak about it once the film proves to be a success. However, I can state with absolute certainty that ‘Antharan’ will not be just another run-of-the-mill film.
Much like films such as ‘Por Thozhil’, ‘Ratsasan’, and ‘Thegidi’, this movie features a unique element—a distinctive twist—within its climax. This is something the audience is bound to appreciate.
While the story is fundamentally a thriller, we have chosen to narrate it through a romantic lens. The film features numerous romantic sequences; the rationale behind this creative choice is revealed during the climax.
I pitched this story to producer C.V. Kumar. He went beyond merely suggesting ways to enrich the narrative; he also strongly recommended that I enlist a wide array of actors, actresses, and technical crew members for the project. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to him.
The cast and crew—including the actors, actresses, and technical artists—who have worked on this film…”Everyone involved contributed their absolute best with unwavering dedication,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Producer C.V. Kumar remarked, “Sambasivam, the producer of this film, is a close friend of mine. In 2019, he produced a film titled Adavi. He reached out to me, seeking assistance with its theatrical release. A strong friendship has endured between us from that day until this very moment.
Two years later, he produced another film titled Manithargal. He asked me to watch it with a view to releasing it commercially. I watched the film; however, it was an ‘art film’ in nature. I advised him that it would be better suited for submission to international film festivals rather than for a theatrical release. Nevertheless, he boldly went ahead and released that film in theaters as well.
I am well-acquainted with the film’s director, Santhosh Ravanan. He worked at my office prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, though we subsequently lost touch. Then, one day, Sambasivam called me on the phone and said, ‘The story narrated by Santhosh—who used to work at your office—is excellent.’ I reassured him, affirming that Santhosh is indeed a talented individual and that they could proceed with producing the film. Subsequently, they sought my recommendations regarding the cast, and I provided them.
Once all production work was completed—and prior to the release of the ‘First Look’ poster—Director Santhosh met with me to show me the material. At that time, the film’s title was Antharan. When I asked him, ‘Didn’t you originally have a different title in mind? Why did you change it?’ he explained that it was the producer’s choice. I immediately asked the producer, ‘Why have you chosen the title Antharan for this film?’ I pointed out that, generally, a film’s title should be easily understood by everyone, and one shouldn’t have to go around explaining the meaning of the title to every single person.
In response, he gently explained that when he and his family visited a temple to select a title by drawing lots, the name Antharan was the one that emerged. He added, ‘It was my wife who selected this title; therefore, it is not possible for us to change it.'” I immediately smiled and said, “Alright.”
“I have already watched this film. It is a good movie. The director has crafted the film in such an engaging manner that no one can predict the trajectory of the story until the very end.
This film is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 25th. If a film is good, both the media and the fans will celebrate it. The works released by my own production house stand as a testament to this fact. In that regard, this film is excellent as well. It will be a success; I wish it every success,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Producer M.K. Sambasivam said, “Following my previous two films—Adavi and Manithargal—Antharan marks my third feature film. I would like to express my gratitude to all the actors, actresses, and technical crew members who worked on this project. I also extend my thanks to our special guests: my friend and fellow producer C.V. Kumar—who is revered as the ‘University of Tamil Cinema’—as well as Vikram, Sabari, and Sandra.
When Producer C.V. Kumar was in the midst of producing the film Soodhu Kavvum, he met with me and asked, ‘I have a great story; would you be interested in producing it?’ I replied that I did not have the necessary funds. He retorted, ‘Who asked for money? I simply asked if you would produce the film.’ For C.V. Kumar, finding a compelling story is all that matters; he will invariably transform it into a film. Such is the extent of his talent. He has introduced a multitude of newcomers to the Tamil film industry. If he finds the right content and a worthy subject for a film, he will produce it. He is, in fact, the driving force behind the creation of this very film; therefore, I owe him a special debt of gratitude.
The director narrated the story to me, and I was thoroughly impressed. At that time, I once again mentioned that I lacked the funds. Subsequently, however, I was able to assemble a dedicated team. Both of the films I have produced thus far have featured strong, meaningful content. Similarly, in this film, we have addressed a subject that holds great relevance and necessity for society. We have presented this theme in the format of a crime thriller. I sincerely hope that you will watch the film in theaters and extend your wholehearted support to us.” “At this juncture, I wish to make an earnest appeal: if newcomers join forces to create a quality film, distributors—as well as those involved in commercial aspects of the industry, including OTT platforms—must extend their support. Please do not dismiss films made by newcomers simply because they are ‘star-less’ projects. For I would like to remind everyone that all of today’s leading stars were, at one point in the past, newcomers themselves,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, actor Prajin remarked, “For twenty years, I have been running this race continuously, holding onto the hope that someday—on some Friday—my life would undergo a transformative change. However, I am confident that this film will undoubtedly be a success; for Tamil audiences always celebrate a truly good movie.
This marks the third film from producer Sambasivam. He has chosen an excellent story and a meaningful core concept. May this film bring you immense commercial success—and I am certain that it will.
Amidst numerous struggles, we have created a work of art that brings us deep creative satisfaction. The director has crafted the screenplay in such a way that every single actor and actress featured in the film is given due importance.
Many individuals have entered the ‘Bigg Boss’ house. Among them…”
“I have interacted with them. Among them, Vikram and Sabari are my close friends. Inside the Bigg Boss house, it was with Vikram that I had the most arguments. It is often with the people you grow closest to that conflicts arise. And it is the friendship forged through such conflicts that endures even after leaving the Bigg Boss house.
This film will prove to be a high-quality production, worthy of the money fans spend to watch it. It will also be a film that honors the invaluable time they invest in it.
‘Antharan’ is releasing in theaters on June 25th. I request everyone to extend their support,” he said.
