Sangagiri Rajkumar’s Film ‘ONE MAN’
A press meet was held in Chennai to promote the film ‘ONE MAN’, featuring the multi-talented creator Sangagiri Rajkumar—known for writing, directing, producing, and acting in films like ‘Vengayam’ and ‘Bioscope’—in the lead role and portraying various other characters.
Sangagiri Rajkumar has not only played the lead role but has also single-handedly undertaken various tasks essential to the film’s production, creating a work through an endeavor unprecedented in world cinema. In doing so, he has earned the distinction of being a Tamilian who has achieved a unique feat.
The promotional event for ‘ONE MAN’, set for a worldwide theatrical release on the 21st of this month, took place in Chennai. Actor Sathyaraj and directors Cheran, Lenin Bharathi, and A.R.K. Rajaraja attended the event as special guests. Speaking at the event, Director Sangagiri Rajkumar said:
“After completing all the work on this film, I met producer Kalaipuli S. Thanu to discuss its theatrical release. I requested his guidance and advice on releasing a work created as a world-record-breaking endeavor in theaters. He immediately contacted PVR.
I conveyed to PVR my desire for this work to reach the audience. They responded, ‘No one in the world has ever undertaken such an endeavor. You, a Tamilian from Tamil Nadu, have taken this initiative. You have our full support.’ I extend my heartfelt thanks to PVR for this.
If we attempt to screen this film at international film festivals, they will surely offer their support, marveling at such a unique and rare undertaking.
After wrapping up the shoot, I met Director A.R.K. Raja Raja for the post-production technical work. He fully understood my vision, handed over the keys to his studio, and told me, ‘You can work here whenever you want, for as many months as you need.’ I express my gratitude to him as well.”
Director A.R.K. Speaking on the occasion, Rajaraja said:
“When a man claims he is creating a film by doing all the work himself—playing every single character—I, like others, had my doubts.
However, the way he worked astonished me. He had mentioned earlier that there was proof of this, hadn’t he? Well, I am one such piece of evidence; I witnessed him handling all the post-production work himself.
I watched the film afterwards. He had crafted it with the highest technical standards. He played the roles of thousands of different characters in this movie—that in itself is his first victory.
Director Lenin Bharathi, Subramania Siva, and I watched the film together. We were so astonished by what we saw that we were left speechless for about ten minutes.
This represents the pinnacle of Indian talent. His hard work is something to be proud of; this film is a historic achievement.
I urge everyone to watch this movie in theaters and extend their support.” Speaking on the occasion, Director Lenin Bharathi said:
“This is a very important film for Tamil cinema. Many grand films have been released in the past.
In particular, this film marks a technological milestone in Indian cinema. While many films with high technical standards have been released, they usually involve the labor of thousands of technicians, contributions from major production houses, and massive financial backing.
However, Sangagiri Rajkumar created this film through a monumental individual effort, without any such massive backing. That is precisely why I continue to work with him.
Such a feat is possible only for someone who possesses a fierce, unbridled love for cinema. Sangagiri Rajkumar is an artist driven not just by a love for cinema, but by a deep desire to convey a meaningful message through the medium. That is another reason I have aligned myself with him.
Watching this film, one is left amazed that a single individual could accomplish so much. I urge all artists who love cinema to extend their support to this film.
Comrade Rajkumar is a remarkably nuanced actor; he is also a Therukoothu (street theatre) artist. I have watched his Therukoothu performances. He is an actor who deserves to be utilized much more in the Tamil film industry.
This film should be screened for students at the Tamil Nadu Film Institute. [Regarding] technology…”
“Sangkagiri Rajkumar should share his experiences regarding the various ways this can be utilized with film institute students; he should also teach this to them. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to step forward and facilitate this,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, director and actor Cheran said:
“One day, Rohini Madam called and said, ‘I watched a film called Vengayam. It is very good; you should watch it too.’ Trusting that anything she recommended would certainly be excellent, I watched the film. It conveyed a meaningful message in a powerful yet natural manner.
It is my habit to share my thoughts and feelings whenever I watch a good film.
Just as many people had once championed and supported me, I decided to champion Rajkumar and support his work when the opportunity arose. Subsequently, at my invitation, over 50 directors watched the film, which helped it gain recognition.
The film Vengayam, which had been pulled from theaters just a day or two after its initial release, was re-released under the title Cheran Presents: Vengayam and went on to become a success, achieving good box-office returns.
He did not enter the film industry merely to make money. He holds the proud conviction that an ordinary person can create a film, that cinema should reach the common people, and that ordinary individuals can be effectively involved in filmmaking.
His next film, Bioscope, was made drawing upon the experiences he gained while creating Vengayam. He possesses a wonderful sense of humor, which is evident in that film.
It is up to us to bring such quality films to the public’s attention. In the case of the film ONE MAN, he handled every aspect of the production himself. We should appreciate him for this innovative endeavor—an endeavor he executed brilliantly.
I watched this film two years ago.” Subsequently, he undertook various technical tasks to further refine and polish the film.
He played every single character in the movie himself. Yet, one does not see Rajkumar in them; only the characters themselves are visible. He worked incredibly hard to achieve this, spending nearly five years creating the film.
It is his hard work that defines him. He has also created a film titled ‘Nedumpa’, which is destined for great success.
For Sangagiri Rajkumar, a budget of ₹70 lakhs is sufficient to make a film. He has proven—and continues to prove—that a quality film can be made in Tamil cinema within this budget.
The films created by Sangagiri Rajkumar are noteworthy contributions to Tamil cinema. Although he may not be receiving due recognition in the current climate, Tamil cinema will celebrate both him and his work ten or fifteen years down the line; recognition will certainly come his way.
“Given the deep love he holds for cinema, the industry will one day surely celebrate him,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, actor Sathyaraj said:
“The primary reason I collaborated with Sangagiri Rajkumar was the influence of Periyar, the ‘Rationalist Sun’ (Pagutharivu Pagalavan). Kovai Ramakrishnan, the leader of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, called and asked me to meet him. He urged me, saying, ‘He is a follower of Ayya [Periyar]; please extend whatever help he needs.’
When I met him, he told me, ‘You must play yourself—Sathyaraj—throughout the film, except for one song where you need to portray Periyar.’
For the past 20 years, since I began playing character roles, I focus solely on my own character. I simply do what the director asks. I perform with the mindset that as long as my character is portrayed correctly, that is enough.
During the era of films like Walter Vetrivel and Amaithippadai, cinema was in my hands; now, I am in the hands of cinema.” So, right now, my approach is simply to go to the shoot and perform my role.
At the same time, I generally do not attend events—such as audio launches—for films I haven’t acted in. This is because films I do act in are released every month: Charukesi last month, GTN this month, and Mandadi next month.
Even if I have my own private criticisms regarding the films I’ve acted in, I don’t voice them publicly on stage; I believe in speaking only words of praise. Perhaps my biggest “mistake” is that I tend to go a bit overboard with the praise. After all, recognition is what brings joy to artists, and craving appreciation is simply human nature—which is why I speak so glowingly.
Whenever we discussed this, Manivannan used to tell me something specific: “Boss, if you’re going to butter someone up, don’t do it in small measures. Do it on a massive scale. Either their head should crack, or the block of ice [used for the flattery] should shatter—that is the level of intensity required.”
However, the reason I came on board for this particular film is that I was absolutely awestruck after watching the movie Vengayam.
Cheran played a significant role in re-releasing the film and ensuring its success; I take this moment to thank him for that.
I was also amazed by his film Bioscope; it was an excellent movie. I have heard about this film (ONE MAN), yet I remain puzzled. How does the concept of a ‘One Man’ film work? How is it possible for a single person to handle every aspect of the production? I still do not quite understand it.
After acting in 125 films, I directed a movie titled Villadhi Villain. It was only then that I realized how truly enjoyable acting is.
I earnestly request the media to extend their full support in helping Sangagiri Rajkumar’s film ONE MAN reach the audience. I view this film as a remarkable achievement.
Only if he succeeds will Tamil cinema gain more young filmmakers willing to undertake such innovative ventures. After watching the film, I intend to call Rajkumar and share my feedback. I wish the film grand success.”
Following this, the film ONE MAN was screened for members of the press and media.
After watching the movie, the media fraternity highly praised Sangagiri Rajkumar and celebrated his endeavor.
