Pre-release launch event of the film ‘Anbil Avan’
‘Anbil Avan’ stars Ashok Selvan, Preethi Mukundhan, Sabumon Abdusamad, Kathir Balu, Maha Delhi Ganesh, and others. Directed by R. Karthikeyan, the film features a story penned by Vignesh Raja, the director of ‘Por Thozhil’. The technical crew includes Govind Vasantha (music), Gowtham Rajendran (cinematography), R.K. Selva (editing), and Manikandan Srinivasan (art direction).
The film is jointly produced by K. Karunamoorthy, Ashok Selvan, and Abinaya Selvam on behalf of Ayngaran International and Happy High Pictures. Raasi Chidambaram of Sri Kumaran Films is handling the release. Speaking on behalf of Happy High Pictures at the event, producer Abhinaya said:
“The story was the reason we decided to make this film; we chose it simply because we loved the narrative—it was of such high quality. We were also fortunate to assemble a brilliant team; just as this is a dream project, the crew behind it is truly a dream team.
My brother and I share a wonderful rapport. I’m usually the one doing most of the talking and taking initiative, but we are constantly in conversation. Whenever I have a doubt about anything, he is the one who gives the final nod of approval. Please don’t mistake Ashok for a serious person just because of the roles he plays; in reality, we are always laughing and chatting. If I mention something twice, he listens, and I do the same for him. Ashok isn’t just my brother; he is a great friend. The story of Anbil Avan revolves around a loving couple fighting to overcome a crisis. The character Ashok plays is one that would make many people wish for a husband just like him.”
Speaking on behalf of Ayngaran International, Publicity Director Kavitha Pandian said:
“This film is very close to my heart. I was amazed by the cast, the crew, and the tremendous effort they have put into this project. I am here representing Karunamoorthy Sir. Ashok Selvan has delivered a fantastic performance. He is not just a brother to me but also a close friend; we are so close that we are practically like twins. I urge everyone to go to the theaters and watch this movie.” Speaking on the occasion, actor Gautham Ram Karthik said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed watching the trailer and teaser of this film; everything looks fantastic. Ashok Selvan is my friend. Just as one might speak of a ‘dream lover,’ I would call him a ‘dream friend.’ We have become very close over the past two years. Simply talking to him makes one forget one’s troubles. I feel truly blessed to have his friendship. The film has turned out wonderfully; there is a certain magic to it, and the sound design is excellent as well.”
Speaking on the occasion, Santhosh from Think Music said:
“I am very happy. We have collaborated with Ashok Selvan on most of his films, starting from his debut, and it is a pleasure to be associated with this one too. Govind Vasantha is like one of our own artists. He has composed five or six songs for this film, and tracks like ‘Aasai Varame’ and ‘Kalla Nikkiriye’ have become massive hits.
Govind Vasantha predicted a year ago that this album would be a huge success, and that is exactly what has happened. Everyone in the film has delivered a spirited, competitive performance. Ashok Selvan and Preethi Mukundhan have danced and acted beautifully. The climax scene will be completely unexpected. Thank you for giving Think Music this opportunity.” Speaking on the occasion, film editor R.K. Selva said:
“I came on board this project through Ashok Selvan; we are college friends. This story revolves around two people, and Preethi has a role of equal importance to Ashok Selvan’s. Vignesh Raja has written a fantastic script, and Govind Vasantha’s music is excellent. What started as a three-song film has now expanded to six songs. I had previously worked on a short film with Ashok Selvan, and I am happy and proud to see how he has grown into a major actor today.”
Cinematographer Gowtham Rajendran said:
“First, I want to thank Abi Akka. I am grateful to Director Karthik for trusting me with this opportunity and for giving me the freedom to experiment. I learned a lot from Ashok Anna; the confidence he instilled in me enabled me to do my best work.”
Actor Harish Kalyan said:
“Ashok has delivered many films as an actor, achieving significant success along the way. He has now grown into a major star, and I wish him the very best in all his endeavors. He mentioned jumping from a height of 70 feet during an action sequence; I asked him if there was any footage to prove it. It comes as no surprise that he made such a jump, as he is incredibly courageous. He is an inspiration to many.”
…someone who undertakes genuine adventures.
“Preethi Mukundan chooses good scripts for her roles. She is acting in three languages—Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam—and is a dedicated actress. Abi Akka is talented; she has brought together a team of skilled individuals to create this film. I am happy to be among those wishing the film success. Govind Vasantha’s music has been a huge hit. Everyone should support this movie. I believe Ashok Selvan will emerge as a pan-India star within the next five years,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, music composer Govind Vasantha said:
“I can say that this is a film I truly enjoyed working on after a long hiatus. It was a delightful experience. About 99 percent of the films I’ve worked on have been with debutant directors. While I’ve delivered many songs for them, many of those directors have gone on to become excellent technicians. This film, too, features a team of highly talented technicians. The movie has turned out to be of very promising quality.”
Speaking on the occasion, screenwriter and ‘Por Thozhil’ director Vignesh Raja said:
“As a writer, I am very happy. Before entering the film industry, I used to make corporate films. Once, while traveling by car near Jaipur in North India, we encountered heavy rain. Worried that our equipment on the roof of the Innova might get wet, we pulled over, grabbed a nearby flex banner, and tied it over the gear to protect it. We hadn’t checked whose image was on that banner, and that led us into a major problem. That incident was the initial seed for this story. It is a love story.” “This is a story about a couple who aspire to live their dream life and how they navigate the challenges that come their way.
Abhinaya and Ashok Selvan were cast first, and then Karthik joined the project. The film has turned out even better than I had imagined. I have known Ashok Selvan for 15 years; back then, after watching Mission: Impossible, we used to mimic the dialogue. He was the lead actor in my debut film, and now we have become like family. We have roamed the streets together during our early days. Thinking of him fills me with happiness and pride,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Kathir Balu, who plays a villain, said:
“I knew how well the film would turn out while we were making it. Govind Vasantha’s songs are excellent. There have been many films featuring ‘single-shot’ sequences, but usually, they involve trained stunt artists. That wasn’t the case here, yet they managed to pull off that sequence—it is truly praiseworthy. I thank Ashok Selvan, Abhinaya, and the director for choosing me for this role.”
Maha Delhi Ganesh (son of actor Delhi Ganesh), who also plays a villain, said:
“First, I would like to express my gratitude for this opportunity. I also want to thank Preethi Mukundhan; even during difficult or intense scenes, she performed without ever showing discomfort or annoyance. Whenever we had doubts, the director would step in to clarify things, and the film crew provided great support throughout. Stunt Master Peter Hein has choreographed amazing action sequences, and I feel proud to have performed under his direction.”
Sabu Mon, another actor playing a villain, said:
“I have come to Tamil Nadu from Kerala.” “I had decided not to speak Malayalam here. Although I was born in Kerala, I spent my childhood in a border region, so I know a little Tamil. I love Tamil—its culture, its people, and its cinema. We worked like a family on this film. While I have acted in Tamil movies before, this has been a significant and unforgettable experience. Ashok Selvan, Karthik, and I would often bicker with each other.
I am a mild-mannered person, yet I played a ruthless character. Beyond that, I was treated quite harshly during the shoot; they made me perform normally even in sub-zero temperatures. I am quiet in real life, but I played a vicious role in the film. More than that, the way they treated me was tough—they pushed me relentlessly, making me run and work without even giving me a moment to catch my breath. It felt painful and upsetting at the time, but all that pain vanished when I watched the finished film. I wasn’t sure what to say at this event. I even asked my wife to have ChatGPT write a speech in Tamil for me, but I couldn’t read it—I forgot everything. We need your love and support.
Through this film, I didn’t just gain a producer; I gained a friend. I found friends who are close to my heart. Thank you, everyone.”
Stunt Master Peter Hein said:
“This film is personally very important to me. I don’t say this just as a formality. I worked with Vignesh Raja for the first time, and we became friends…”
Producer Abinaya handed me the script and asked me to read it, saying I should do the project if I liked it. At the time, I was already working on 17 other films. I wanted to understand the director’s vision for the action sequences and how he wanted the scenes to unfold from his perspective. My entire approach changed after joining this project; I became like a family member. Ashok Selvan became like a brother to me, and I took on the role of an elder brother figure for the film. In my 34 years of experience, I had never felt this way before; I felt as though it were my own production company.
You might not believe it, but due to my personal circumstances, there were times I sat alone on the set and wept. Yet, right after crying, I would go straight to choreographing the action sequences. I was deeply invested in this film. We would constantly discuss everything with the director and Ashok Selvan, and that is how we made it.
It was a novel experience for me. Three villains acted in the film, and they did a fantastic job. Although it is an entertainer, we approached it with great seriousness.
Preethi Mukundan stood out in this film like a rose amidst blades and nails. I gained a lot of experience from this project. I was working on ‘Mandadi’ at the time, but despite having many films on hand, I instructed my manager not to allocate dates to anyone else for 45 days; I was adamant that I would not step away from this project in the middle for anything else.
I made many adjustments for the sake of this single film because I was deeply committed to it, viewing it as a family project. The music in the film was excellent. “Cinematographer Gowtham has a bright future ahead. Ashok Selvan and Abhinaya, I will always stand by you. The action sequences in this film will come as an unexpected treat.
A video is currently going viral—one where young women in their twenties talk about wanting two or five lakhs, or wishing for a husband who looks like Yash. If they had seen this film—or if it had been released earlier—they would have said, ‘I want a husband just like Ashok Selvan,'” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Ashwath Marimuthu said:
“I have just arrived from the shoot. I started filming two hours early and wrapped up two hours ahead of schedule just to attend this event. This is where it all began for me—with my debut film, Oh My Kadavule. The story is the reason the film turned out well, and Vignesh Raja played a crucial role in that. We work as a team and discuss everything. Action sequences form the foundation of this film, so having Stunt Master Peter Hein on board is a huge strength. Music composer Govind Vasantha is another major asset. Their success matters to me. This film is a perfect example of how a movie turns out well when its foundation is solid.
Preethi Mukundhan initially declined the offer to act in Dragon. Later, I told her about a wonderful film that was in the works—and that turned out to be this one. I heard that Ashok Selvan jumped from a height of 70 feet. That didn’t surprise me at all; he is the kind of person who would jump even from 150 feet. He is a true action hero.
In all the time I’ve directed him, he has never once arrived late.” “Even at this age, ‘Thalaivar’ Rajini Sir—whom I am currently directing in the film Dharman—has never once arrived late. He is enthusiastic every single day. Even after 50 years of experience, he asks with genuine curiosity what we are going to do that day.
Initially, I was apprehensive about directing him, but Thalaivar put me at ease and made the atmosphere comfortable. His dedication is truly amazing.
Ashok Selvan loves and respects cinema. This moment is very important to me,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, music composer Nivas K. Prasanna said:
“I am very happy; this feels like a family gathering. I recall working with Ashok Selvan on the film Thegidi. It makes me proud to see how much he has grown since then. I wish him continued success and happiness.”
Speaking on the occasion, director R. Karthikeyan said:
“First, I want to thank my assistant directors and assistant cinematographers. Over the past two years, I have spoken more with my associate director than with my own wife. Thank you to everyone.
I don’t think there is much left to say about the film itself, because it has turned out well, and I am confident about it. Everyone—from the Censor Board officials to producers, distributors, and OTT platforms—has praised the film. We are now eager to show it to you.
I have known Ashok Selvan for ten years. Since 2017, we started projects several times, only for them to stall and fail to move forward. For one film, the producer…”
If we decide against working with someone, we simply state that we do not want that particular producer for a future project. We have had a wide range of experiences—from a single day of shooting to schedules spanning thirteen days.
I feel proud when I think of Ashok Selvan and Abhinaya, and also when I think of the production house, Happy High Pictures. They are willing to give opportunities to debutant directors in Tamil cinema; all you need is a good story. Ashok Selvan’s talent for selecting scripts has been evident since Thegidi.
I am grateful for the opportunity to become a director. This film would not have happened without Vignesh Raja; the story demanded that kind of vision. Abhinaya, too, has a knack for choosing good scripts. It all started with a phone call I received while traveling to Madurai because my sister was unwell. He placed his trust in me and offered me this film. That trust is the magic behind how everything came together.
The encouragement and support Ashok Selvan provided were crucial. He was as involved in the project as an assistant director would be, and his help with promotional activities was immense. I am happy that we executed the film well. I hope Happy High Pictures continues to scale new heights. They provide opportunities to debutants and talented individuals, and they have assembled a highly skilled team. If you offer one idea, they come back with ten more. The cinematographer, editor, and sound engineer who worked on this film are all incredibly talented.
The dedication Master Peter Hein showed toward this film was extraordinary. He may look childlike, but when it comes to work, his commitment surpasses that of professionals from anywhere in the world. You could say the final 30 minutes of the film belong entirely to Peter Hein. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, he worked continuously on this project for over 40 days. “When it comes to Govind, he is someone who selects excellent lyrics to go with his fine music. He has utilized Tamil singers effectively, creating wonderful songs with amazing lyrics. I was truly amazed when I visited his home in Kochi and witnessed his composing process.
When I suggested corrections or asked for lyric changes, he would say, ‘If I do that, it won’t be my song anymore; it will be yours.’ Those moments are unforgettable. While some composers maintain a large entourage of assistants, he is a ‘one-man army.’ He plays the violin, the veena, and even instruments whose names I don’t know. He stands out as a unique composer of this generation.
Abinaya Selvam is a bold woman—a true example of courage. If assistant directors send her a screenplay, she responds within three hours; everyone should take advantage of that. Preethi Mukundhan gave a mediocre performance in one scene, yet she kept asking for guidance on what needed to be done. She is incredibly enthusiastic and constantly strives to improve. She isn’t just a star; she is a dedicated actor.
Cinematographer Gowtham is like a beloved child to me. Very few people reinvest what they earn in cinema back into the industry. Like Kamal Sir, Ashok Selvan invests everything he earns from films right back into them. Producers like him are rare. Neither Abinaya nor Ashok Selvan comes from great wealth; they belong to middle-class families. People might not believe it, but they struggled to make this film. People often assume he is wealthy simply because of his fair complexion.”
Speaking on the occasion, actress Preethi Mukundhan said:
“This event is very important and delightful for me. First, I must speak about Abinaya.” She is a powerhouse—that is her beauty; she is a truly formidable woman.
When watching a movie, the audience usually sees only the actors on screen, unaware of the powerful individuals working behind the scenes. Yet, those people are the true strength of the film. Abhinaya is foremost among them; she was a huge inspiration to me, and I adore her. Ashok Selvan and Abhinaya welcomed me into their team as if they had adopted me. They guided me, believed in me, and helped me grow. I often wondered why they were so kind. Working with the wonderful Ashok Selvan was an amazing journey, and I am happy that the entire film unfolded this way. He reached new heights in his acting in this movie, but beyond that, he created space for me to perform as well, elevating my own acting to that level.
Ashok Selvan was like a college friend to me—someone with whom I could chat, argue, do silly things, and debate absolutely anything. Director Karthikeyan enabled me to deliver a mature performance and gave me the opportunity to do so. While dubbing for the emotional scenes, I couldn’t even hear my own voice…
“Whenever the opportunity arose, he would teach and utilize my talents without hesitation. Placing their trust in me and allowing me to work gave me great strength and confidence. Subsequently, I developed a desire to act in films helmed by talented writers and directors. I am grateful for the powerful role I was given and for the opportunity itself.
Gautham, the film’s cinematographer, is of my age—the youngest member of the crew. Yet, we shared a wonderful rapport and exchanged our thoughts openly.
He supported me like a friend, offering feedback on every scene; I thank him for that. I have a keen interest in colors, and he presented me beautifully in the shades I love—for that, I am grateful. Sethu was a pillar of support for me, and I must certainly thank him. It was an honor to work under the direction of stunt master Peter Hein; it made me feel truly valued.
He guided me in many ways, and I will always be grateful to him. I am a huge fan of Govind Vasantha; I have loved his music since the movie 96, and the songs in this film have turned out wonderfully as well. I was amazed by the performances of Kathir, Maha, and Sabu; I even wondered how they managed to act so brilliantly. My thanks go to all the assistant directors as well; they made me feel like part of a family.”
Speaking on the occasion, the film’s lead actor, Ashok Selvan, said:
“This is a joyous event, yet I haven’t prepared a speech beforehand. We were constantly occupied with the film’s production and the Censor Board process right up to this moment.
It has been two and a half years since my last film was released. In the film industry, two and a half years feels like five. A movie isn’t just something you do and move on from; I believe cinema should create an impact. That is the kind of film I aspire to be a part of—projects with good stories and compelling characters.” We made deliberate choices in every aspect of this project. I gained many friends and learned a great deal through this film.
I am delighted that everyone I invited to this event has attended. My goal is always to make a genuine effort and offer something meaningful to the audience. If my name appears on a film’s poster, I believe it must reflect 100% of my own hard work; this requires constant reinvention and exploration.
First, I want to thank my sister for making this significant film possible. She has stood by me for three or four years, helping me navigate numerous challenges and difficult situations. She has been a source of strength for me, acting as both a sister and a brother. While people often change over time, she has remained steadfast. I also thank my parents; when the film’s budget exceeded the initial estimate and I needed the property documents to mortgage our home, they handed them over without hesitation. They supported my dream, trusting that their son was doing something worthwhile.
The director and I have been friends for ten years. It brings me joy to see people who made their debut in my films now directing major projects.
It makes me happy to see Vignesh Raja working on a Dhanush film and Aswath on a Rajini sir film; I wish them both continued growth. Gautham Karthik, who is here today, is like a younger brother to me—nothing more needs to be said. Editor Selva and I have been friends since our college days, and he has contributed brilliantly to this film.
My thanks go to stunt master Peter Hein; he is the one who elevated this into a grand film. I had wondered if someone who regularly works on big-budget movies would agree to work on a smaller film like this, but he has done an outstanding job. Cinematographer Gautham has captured excellent visuals.
When Preethi Mukundhan acted in our film, she had only one previous release to her name. I would describe her as a “Bitcoin investment” I made—an asset that has grown tremendously in value. “Nowadays, wherever I go for college events, people shout, ‘Say hello to Preethi Mukundan for us!’ She might even act in the sequel to this film.
Sabu Chettan supplied bread to us during the shoot; he even set up a stall there to serve everyone. I must have attended one or two hundred auditions myself. We selected the cast for this film through auditions as well, and that is how we discovered gems like Maha and Kathir. They are destined for great success.
Crafted from a strong story, this film promises an unforgettable theatrical experience. I wouldn’t claim it is the best film in the world, but it will certainly offer a great experience in the cinema hall.
When Ayngaran International came on board, Karunamoorthy Sir said something significant: he listened only to the story and told us to handle everything else however we saw fit. I am grateful for his support. I also thank my wife, Keerthi.”
In conclusion, Abinaya, the producer from Happy High Pictures, thanked everyone.
