Press Meet for the Film ‘Karmeni Selvam,’ Starring Samuthirakani and Gautham Vasudev Menon
A promotional event was held in Chennai for the film ‘Karmeni Selvam,’ which is produced by Arun Rangarajulu under the banner of Pathway Productions, directed by Ram Chakri, and stars Samuthirakani and Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film is set to be released in theaters worldwide starting April 3rd.
Directed by Ram Chakri, ‘Kar Meeni Selvam’ features a cast that includes Samuthirakani, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli, Abhinaya, Karthik Kumar, Badava Gopi, Madhumitha, Arjunan, Haritha Parakod, Kothandam, and Karan Chakravarthy, among many others. The cinematography for the film was handled by Yuvaraj Dakshan, while the musical score was composed by Musicloud Studio & Technology. Produced by Arun Rangarajulu on behalf of Pathway Productions, the film has been crafted as a feel-good family entertainer. To promote the film—which is scheduled for theatrical release on April 3rd—a press conference was held in Chennai, attended by the film crew along with writer Senthamizhan, who participated as a special guest. The event saw the participation of actor Kothandam, Creative Producer Sri Saravanan, Cinematographer Yuvaraj Dakshan, Music Director Ramanujam, Art Director Shankar, Lyricist Mani Amuthavan, Karan Chakravarthy, Dinesh, Editor Jagan, Badava Gopi, actor Sankaranarayanan, actress Abhinaya, Producer Arun, actress Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli, Director Ram Chakri, Samuthirakani, Choreographer Harish, Costume Designer Swetha Lakshmi, and Sound Designer Raghav Ramesh.
Speaking at the event, Producer Arun Rangarajulu said, “This is my second film. Prior to this, ten years ago, I produced a film titled Kuraiyondrumillai. This current film is a family drama; it will easily resonate with audiences from all walks of life. At this moment, I would like to express my gratitude to all the actors and technical crew members who worked on this project. This film is releasing on April 3rd, and I request everyone to extend their support.” Speaking on the occasion, Music Composer Ramanujam said, “We have worked together as a team on this film. Everything—the songs, the music, and the background score—has turned out beautifully. AI technology was not utilized in the songs; all the music was performed live. We traveled to various locations, including Kochi, Jaipur, and Mumbai, to record the songs in collaboration with renowned musicians from those regions. The film itself is excellent. I pray to God for the movie’s success.”
Creative Producer Sri Saravanan stated, “I would like to thank our special guest, writer Senthamizhan, for attending this event. My thanks also go to the film crew members who are present here today. The producer and the director have been my close friends for 15 years; it was this bond that gave me the opportunity to serve as the Creative Producer for this film. I extend my gratitude to them as well. ‘Kaar Maeni Selvam’ is scheduled to release in theaters on April 3rd. We request everyone’s support.” Speaking on the occasion, actor Kothandam remarked, “The director has crafted this film around the premise that ‘only a man can truly understand another man’s heart.’ It is often said that labor pain is something only a mother can experience—a pain that no one else in the world can ever truly comprehend. It is an unbearable agony—a pain akin to being reborn.
Imagine a young boy pointing to an object and asking his father to buy it for him. If, at that moment, the father is unable to fulfill that request, the anguish he endures is incomparable to anything else. This is a pain that fathers everywhere carry with them, day in and day out.
This film poignantly portrays the pain a husband feels when he is unable to provide the things requested not only by his children but also by his wife. The movie also sheds light on the various predicaments men often find themselves in because of women. Samuthirakani has delivered a magnificent performance in this film, excelling in his dual roles as both a father and a husband. In Kaar Maeni Selvam, the actors didn’t merely ‘act’; they truly lived their characters. Consequently, viewers will find it effortless to connect with the film on an emotional level.
The Tamil Nadu government should construct state-run theaters in every district across the state. These theaters should screen films at affordable ticket rates, offer free parking, and sell refreshments at reasonable prices. If such a system were implemented, the livelihoods of many directors would be safeguarded. The government bears a responsibility to protect the welfare of the employees working within the film industry. For many, cinema is not merely a form of entertainment; it is their very livelihood and their life’s ambition,” he concluded.
Speaking through sign language, actress Abhinaya said, “I would like to express my gratitude to the director and the producer for selecting me and offering me the opportunity to play a traditional, family-oriented character in this film. Instead of relying on assistant directors, the director himself personally explained the entire screenplay to me in detail and guided my performance. Acting alongside Samuthirakani in this film was an unforgettable experience.”
Speaking next, actress Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli said…
“I would like to thank the director and the producer for offering me this opportunity and entrusting me with such a wonderful character. During the filming of this movie, I met many good people. I worked in a truly warm and affectionate environment, and I thoroughly enjoyed the process.
The film’s set was filled with immense love and simplicity—qualities that are beautifully reflected in the movie itself. I particularly love the songs in this film. This is a movie meant to be watched and enjoyed in a theater, together with one’s family. It is a film brimming with love. Please extend your support to movies like this,” he said. Speaking at the event, writer Senthamizhan said, “I am participating in this event at the invitation of my friends, Samuthirakani and Director Ram. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to watch this film. I would like to share with you a few thoughts stemming from the core theme of the movie.
This film captured, months in advance, a specific situation that is currently unfolding in the world today. The psychological distress faced by those working in the Gulf nations has recently been exacerbated by a war. This film portrays that very same psychological distress—a distress that arises not from armed conflict, but from a socio-psychological struggle.
This film raises a fundamental question. People from Tamil Nadu travel to the Gulf nations, or similar countries, in search of employment. The film asks—with great elegance and emotional honesty—whether there are truly justifiable reasons for undertaking such a journey.
Tamils ​​have been seafarers for 7,000 years. We have traveled to every corner of the globe; we have lived in various lands for periods of time. For Tamils, traveling to different nations and establishing lives there is neither a novelty nor a transgression. The crucial question, however, is this: wherever you may be, are you able to maintain your physical and mental well-being without compromise? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then that place is your true home. If the answer is ‘no,’ then it is not your home. This question applies equally to those residing within the metropolis of Chennai. The answer lies within their own minds; it is a dialogue they must hold with themselves. Regardless of what one may articulate outwardly, there remains an inner self—a voice within—that either reveals the truth or demands that we confront it. If you can honestly affirm to yourself—deep within—that ‘wherever I am, I remain physically and mentally sound,’ then, and only then, are you truly at home.
I perceived glimpses of this very concept reflected in this film. In truth, the young filmmaker Ram Chakri did not direct this movie after having first consulted me regarding these ideas. Rather, he met me—through our mutual friend Samuthirakani—only as the film’s production was nearing completion. I wish to record on this very stage that I view this convergence as nothing less than an act of divine grace.” I am doing so.
Speaking at the event, Director Ram Chakri said, “I consider it a true blessing for this film that writer Senthamizhan attended this ceremony as a special guest and delivered an address.
I also consider it a privilege that I have been introduced to the world through his writings.
Some of the actors who performed in this film had previously acted in Samuthirakani’s movie, School Bus. He has expressed his gratitude to me for this. Prior to this, I directed a film titled Kuraiyondrumillai under the name ‘Karthik.’ Subsequently—realizing that there are already many ‘Karthiks’ in the film industry—I changed my professional name to ‘Ram Chakri.’
I produced my debut film through crowdfunding, raising funds from 60 individuals. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to each and every one of them.
The script for this film reached Samuthirakani through my friend, Sriram. After reading the screenplay in its entirety, he called me and asked, ‘Do you believe a person should strive for peace of mind, or for material wealth? Are you not, in essence, conveying that one should prioritize peace?’ It gave me immense joy to hear him articulate the very message I had intended to convey. He further added, ‘Whenever you are ready, I am ready too.’ Two years later, when I informed him that I was ready, he immediately gave his approval. To this day, I remain astonished that he chose to embark on this journey with me without asking a single question about my background or credentials. My heartfelt thanks go to Samuthirakani for placing his trust in me and giving me this opportunity.
Making a film with newcomers is inherently a risky endeavor—and in the current climate, it is particularly challenging. One requires financial resources continuously, from the very moment production begins right up until the film’s theatrical release. Rather than facing criticisms such as ‘the first half was good, but the second half dragged,’ or ‘the comedy didn’t land,’ I am confident that this film stands as a cohesive and excellent work in its entirety.” One can survive commercially in the film industry only if there is a tangible improvement evident in every single scene.
I have been learning these three fundamental principles. This is the insight I gained right from my very first film. I crafted this movie with the firm understanding that success is attainable only if one executes the entire production—from the opening shot to the climactic sequence—without making any compromises whatsoever.
The moment actress Abhinaya arrives on the set, a distinct spiritual aura permeates the atmosphere. The questions she raised while on location served to further enrich and elevate the quality of her character.
