Music & Action Teaser Launch of ‘Leader’ Starring Legend Saravanan
Starring Legend Saravanan in the lead role and directed by R.S. Durai Senthilkumar, the film ‘Leader’ is set to hit theaters worldwide on April 3rd. The launch event for the film’s music and action teaser was held on a grand scale in Chennai, attended by the film crew and fans, and graced by the presence of prominent film celebrities.
Speaking at the event, lyricist Viveka remarked, “At the very beginning of this music launch ceremony, the moment the song ‘Muthaitharu Pathithirunagai’—a Thiruppugazh composition by Arunagirinathar—began to play, I felt goosebumps all over my body. I have penned two songs for this film, and writing both of them was a wonderful experience. Upon watching the film’s trailer, it is evident that this is going to be a movie with universal appeal.
Speaking about Legend Saravanan, one cannot quite figure out whether whatever he says naturally goes viral, or if he simply chooses to speak about things that are already trending. Recently, while attending an event, he was asked to reveal the secret behind his position at the pinnacle of the business world. He replied, ‘My father once gave me a piece of advice: one must be the first to arrive at the shop and the last to leave it. I follow that principle, and that is the sole reason for my success.’ This statement serves as the ‘Bible’ of the business world. The moment he articulated that concept, it went viral on a massive scale. That, indeed, is the secret behind his success. I extend my best wishes for this film to achieve monumental success,” he concluded. Speaking on the occasion, Lyricist Mohan Rajan said, “If I stand on this stage today, the primary credit goes to Music Director Ghibran and Director Durai Senthilkumar. For this film, I have penned a song centered on the bond between a father and daughter. Anyone who desires the well-being of others—anyone who holds such a thought—is, in essence, a leader. Legend Saravanan is already a true leader in real life. We welcome and take great pride in the fact that you, who are genuinely a leader in reality, are now appearing as a leader on the silver screen as well.
To offer my wishes in the signature style of the late, great Vaali Ayya: ‘No one has ever issued you an order; you set your own boundaries; your shoulders have never drooped in weariness—for you are the true leader… Leader—undoubtedly a winner!'”
Producer Kalaipuli S. Thanu remarked, “Legend Saravanan is, indeed, a true leader. During my interactions with him, I realized that he carries a multitude of stories within his mind. He has already conceptualized numerous characters… He once narrated a story to me—one inspired by Bruce Lee—and declared that he would physically transform himself to the extent of sporting a ‘six-pack’ physique for the role. At that time, I even took him to meet a renowned director to initiate discussions about producing such a film. I offer my best wishes, hoping that his vision and his hard work achieve monumental success.”
Producer Thiagarajan stated, “I watched Legend Saravanan’s debut film, and it was truly magnificent in its scale. I found myself constantly wondering what his next cinematic venture would be. I was delighted to learn that Leader—the film featuring Legend Saravanan in the lead role—is being directed by Durai Senthilkumar, who previously directed the film Pattas under our production banner. I am confident that this film will achieve tremendous success; let us meet again at the film’s grand success celebration!” Speaking at the event, Director R.K. Selvamani said, “Looking at the fans of ‘The Legend’ Saravanan who have gathered here today, I feel certain that this film is destined to be a massive success. I first met ‘The Legend’ Saravanan’s father back in 1988, when I was working as an assistant director. In those days, assistant directors were essentially unpaid laborers. We used to visit his shop quite frequently. They would sell shirts for 99 rupees—just under the 100-rupee mark. We would often visit the shop just to look at the shirts, waiting for the day we finally had that 100 rupees in hand so we could buy one. Once, during the Diwali season, we received a bonus of 500 rupees; taking that money, we headed to the shop with the intention of buying shirts. In that era, if you wanted to buy shirts for every single member of your family with just 500 rupees, Saravana Stores was the only place where that was possible. On that occasion, I bought clothes for my father, my younger brother, and my younger sister. However, I noticed that the price of the specific shirt I had set my sights on had changed. The total bill came to 590 rupees, but I only had 500 rupees with me. At that moment, he simply told me, ‘Pay the remaining balance whenever you have the money.’ He treated customers buying a 100-rupee shirt with the exact same respect as those buying shirts worth a lakh rupees; he was a proprietor who truly valued his customers. I believe that is the secret behind his success.
Similarly, as soon as I saw the announcement regarding this film, I called Director Durai Senthilkumar—who happens to be a very close friend of mine. I urged him to direct this film in such a way that it would become a resounding success. Subsequently, the director sent me the film’s ‘First Look’ poster. Upon seeing it, I immediately offered my appreciation.
Honesty, affordability…”
“Profit and a multitude of customers—this is the guiding mantra behind Legend Saravanan’s success. Reports have emerged indicating that Legend Saravanan intends to produce numerous films within modest budgets. Our film industry is in dire need of more producers; much like your father, who achieved monumental success in the business world, you too must strive to achieve similar greatness within the realm of cinema. You should aim to produce not just 50, but perhaps even 100 films—thereby sustaining both the industry itself and the livelihoods of its workers,” he stated.
Speaking on the occasion, Producer Dhananjayan remarked, “Legend Saravanan Sir, it is safe to say that you have now secured a significant foothold not only in the business world but also within the landscape of Tamil cinema. The choice of the title ‘Leader’ for your upcoming project is truly fitting. Your passion for cinema and your unwavering dedication to the craft are clearly evident. Having achieved such remarkable success in the business sector, it is our collective hope that you will attain similar triumphs in cinema, driven by that very same determination. In particular, I am confident that your collaboration with Director Durai Senthilkumar will prove to be exceptional. His films consistently resonate with the audience. Likewise, I believe this film, ‘Leader,’ is destined to be a massive success. I anticipate that this movie will serve as a pivotal milestone in your life journey. In Tamil cinema, films centered on the emotional bond between a father and daughter invariably touch the hearts of the audience; films such as ‘Theri’ and ‘Viswasam’ stand as prime examples of this phenomenon. Similarly, I am confident that ‘Leader’ will emerge as a winning formula—a perfect blend of emotional depth and high-octane action. Ghibran’s musical score and background music constitute a tremendous asset to this film—a fact that is vividly apparent even in the trailer. Furthermore, I would like to extend my congratulations to Nikhil Murugan for his exemplary efforts in spearheading the film’s promotional campaign. Saravanan Sir, as you navigate your cinematic journey, we hope you continue to deliver high-quality films backed by substantial budgets. It is our sincere wish that you continue to gift the Tamil film industry with a steady stream of successful movies.” “With the firm belief that the film ‘Leader’ will undoubtedly be a massive success, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the entire team,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, actress Aranthangi Nisha remarked, “If one were to ask whom the title ‘Leader’ truly befits, it is those individuals who never merely glorify themselves, but instead uplift and honor everyone around them. Whenever I visit Legend Saravanan’s store, he always invites us to sit down and, without fail, encourages us every single time, saying, ‘You must act in many more films; you must perform exceptionally well; I want to see you grace many more stages.’ Mr. Legend Saravanan is truly a man who constantly encourages a multitude of artists.
For about six months following the release of this film, I won’t be able to visit the Saravana Stores outlet. This is because I have performed in a scene where I appear to be scolding him. I didn’t improvise those lines myself; I simply delivered the dialogue exactly as the director had written it for me. My husband has also acted in this film. Just as he remains quiet and composed at home, he maintains that same quiet demeanor in the movie as well.
He is a truly great man who sells food products at incredibly affordable prices. The reason we refer to him as a ‘Leader’ became evident when we all traveled to his native village for the film shoot; he provided meals for the entire village! Throughout every single day of the filming schedule there, he hosted a grand feast for the entire community,” she said.
Speaking next, Baby Iyal said, “In this film, I laughed, I cried, I expressed anger, and I performed in various sentimental scenes. I would like to thank the director for giving me this opportunity. The film’s cinematographer, S. Venkatesh, is someone who previously worked on the movie Tik Tik Tik, which starred my father. My father would often speak of him, describing him as a ‘lucky cinematographer.’ I feel incredibly lucky myself to have had the opportunity to act under his cinematography.
An interesting incident occurred during the filming process…” “There was a scene where ‘Legend Uncle’ comes to our rescue as we get caught in a heavy downpour. While that scene was being filmed, he tripped and nearly fell; yet, he managed to regain his balance and save us. For a split second, it felt as though I was having a mini heart attack. In that moment, I completely forgot all the dialogue I had memorized. His most remarkable hard work is evident in the fight sequence set on the train. However, I did tell him, ‘Please don’t take such risks, Uncle.'”
Speaking on the occasion, actor Shaam said, “After watching the film Garudan, I shared with my friends my desire to act in a film directed by Durai Senthilkumar, who helmed that movie. He had handled every single character in that film with absolute precision. Just a few days after I expressed this wish, I received a call from Director Durai Senthilkumar, followed by a meeting. I didn’t even ask him to narrate the story, because I consider him to be one of the most responsible directors in Tamil cinema. Every film he has directed possesses both commercial appeal and a beautiful underlying message; Durai Senthilkumar stands out as one of those key filmmakers who utilize the cinematic platform with exceptional quality.
While I was dubbing for this film, I discovered that he had already recorded guide tracks—dubbing for every single character himself. This demonstrated exactly the kind of dedication I look for…”
he was remarkably clear in his approach. No one else here would do such a thing.
Not everyone has had the opportunity to witness the other side of ‘Legend’ Saravanan; during the scenes I filmed alongside him on set, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his conversations, which were infused with a wonderful sense of humor. He consistently maintains a broad perspective on life—a philosophy he steadfastly adheres to. This marks his second film, and I am certain he will remain a fixture in the film industry, going on to star in many more movies. He has expressed his intention to provide opportunities to numerous directors through his production banner. Tamil cinema is in dire need of a visionary like him,” he stated.
Speaking on the occasion, actor VTV Ganesh remarked, “I was absolutely delighted the moment the director told me I would be acting alongside ‘Legend’ Saravanan. This is because I have a deep admiration for both him as a person and his acting style. He has captivated the hearts of many. In the past, I would often watch him with sheer amazement, wondering how a single individual could execute such massive-scale advertising campaigns.
While anyone may possess wealth, one can only truly act if they possess a genuine passion and zeal for cinema. It requires an intense drive—a burning desire to create and achieve something significant—and that is a quality not everyone possesses. That is precisely why I assert that if there is anyone who truly embodies the spirit of an achiever, it is ‘Legend’ Saravanan. To the best of my knowledge, once released, this film is poised to gross between 500 and 600 crores. Should it replicate this success in other languages as well, this movie could very well cross the 1000-crore mark,” he predicted.
Director Bhagyaraj, addressing the gathering, said, “I have been closely observing the manner in which various people speak about our very own ‘Legend’ Saravanan. Each and every person has spoken of him with great praise and appreciation. What became abundantly clear to me through these observations is that he is a man who boldly executes whatever he sets his mind to; his unique hallmark—a quality I admire immensely—is his ability to forge ahead with unwavering self-confidence, unconcerned by the opinions or criticisms of others. To enter the world of cinema with such boundless enthusiasm and energy is no ordinary feat; it is, in itself, a monumental achievement.” “Following the film The Legend, the choice of the title Leader is both highly fitting and powerful. For Director Durai Senthilkumar, this is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. However, he is a filmmaker who consistently collaborates with talented technicians to craft high-quality cinema. Given that skilled artists—such as Ghibran—have joined forces for this project, I am confident that this film will achieve tremendous success. The enthusiastic reception the trailer has already garnered serves as a clear harbinger of the film’s impending success; it has certainly ignited a strong desire among the audience to watch the movie.
I believe this film will be a complete cinematic experience—one that is not merely lavish in its budget, but also rich in emotion, compelling storytelling, and powerful thematic elements. Saravanan did not enter the film industry solely to amass wealth; rather, he arrived with a purpose—to realize his creative vision and to serve the art of cinema. It is my hope that he remains steadfast in this field, continuing to deliver many excellent films and extending his support to numerous individuals within the industry. I convey my heartfelt wishes for his continued good health and longevity, so that he may continue to render invaluable service to the world of cinema. My warmest congratulations go out to the director, the entire film crew, and all the technicians who poured their hard work into bringing this project to life,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, music composer Ghibran stated: “First and foremost, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the director and the producer for granting me the opportunity to work on this film, as well as to every member of the crew who worked alongside me. In particular, I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the entire film unit—those who toiled day and night, enduring sleepless days and nights, to bring this project to fruition. Composing the songs for this film proved to be a significant challenge; yet, simultaneously, it yielded a profound sense of creative fulfillment. Every song and every piece of background score was crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. Director Durai Senthilkumar Sir, in particular, would consistently scrutinize even the minutest details, suggesting necessary adjustments that ultimately elevated the quality of the songs to an even higher level. Through this project, I truly came to realize just how significant an impact even a subtle tweak in the background score can have on the overall cinematic experience.” Speaking of Director Durai, he is a very soft-spoken individual, yet a filmmaker who approaches his work with immense intensity. His greatest strengths lie in the way he elevates his team and the systematic manner in which he executes every task. Working with a director of such caliber has been a truly enriching experience for us.
Much has already been said by many regarding Legend Saravanan. Through this film, however, he has unveiled a completely new facet of himself. He has proven himself in this movie not merely as a producer or a businessman, but as an actor who works with absolute dedication and commitment. I am confident that this film will introduce a fresh new hero to Tamil cinema. ‘Leader’ holds a very special significance for me; the work I have contributed to this project has given me a unique sense of personal fulfillment. I trust that both the songs and the background score of this film will be well-received and enjoyed by everyone. My sincere gratitude goes out to every actor and technician who was part of this film’s crew. ‘Leader’ is bound to be a massive success. I urge everyone to go to the theaters, watch the film, and extend your support. Thank you.
” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Durai Senthilkumar said, “Leader is my sixth film. My heartfelt thanks go out to every member of my crew who worked alongside me. It is their hard work over the past two years that has brought this film to its current stature. Arun, who assisted with the dialogues, and Rajesh, our acting coach—my thanks go to you as well. I could not have created this film without the support of this team.
First, I must speak about our music composer, Ghibran Sir. The moment this film project began, the very first name that came to our minds was Ghibran Sir. Working with him was a truly divine experience. There were times when, just as I was about to pick up the phone to call him, he would reach out to me instead. It felt as though there was a spiritual connection between us.
I felt that a particular action sequence required a powerful song dedicated to Lord Murugan. When I shared this specific requirement with him, I discovered that Ghibran Sir had already composed a spiritual piece that fit the bill perfectly. Such miraculous synchronicity was evident throughout the making of this entire film. His music is a major reason for the film’s success; thank you very much, Sir.
My friends—Cinematographer Venkatesh and Art Director Durairaj—have poured 200 percent of their effort into this film. Finding good friends is truly a blessing. Whenever I sought their feedback, they offered honest and candid responses—a quality that is incredibly important. To our Editor, Praveen, and our Stunt Master, Mahesh Mathew—my thanks to you as well. It is rare to find artists who can fully grasp a director’s vision and successfully translate it onto the screen; in that regard, both of you were pillars of immense support to me. Praveen, in particular, beautifully brought my thoughts and ideas to life on the screen.
Now, I must speak about our cast. Shaam Sir—your presence elevated the character you portrayed to new heights. Santosh Sir and Payal—you serve as a prime example of the immense trust actors can place in a director. That trust instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility. Andrea Ma’am, Viveka Sir, and Mohan Raj—my sincere thanks to each of you. In particular, my long-cherished desire to work with Viveka Sir was finally fulfilled through this film.” My heartfelt thanks go to every department that worked on this film—the cinematography team, the editing team, the lighting crew, and the production team—to one and all. Finally, Iyal: you possess a natural talent. Your future is going to be incredibly bright.
And finally… Legend Sir. Before this film began, I faced numerous struggles. Despite having many stories ready, none of them materialized into a film. It was during that time that I had the opportunity to meet Legend Sir. Coincidentally, the opportunity for ‘Garudan’ also came my way at that same time. When I told him that I would return to work with him after completing that other film, he replied, “I will wait for you; we are the ones who are going to make this movie together.” That very confidence served as the foundation for this film. If I were to describe his energy, it is like a bullet fired from a gun—intense and unstoppable. He maintains that same level of enthusiasm at all times. He would always arrive well ahead of schedule.
“There are a hundred people working for us; we must not keep them waiting,” he would say. That was a profound lesson for me. In the Mahabharata, it is said that Arjuna focused solely on the eye of the bird; similarly, success is his only target. His energy burns like a fire. He has successfully channeled that same energy to his fans as well. Everyone is bound to love this film; thank you,” he concluded.
Speaking on the occasion, Legend Saravanan said, “My thanks go to the producers and directors who have graced this event as special guests. In the current global climate, with war clouds looming overhead, a sense of insecurity prevails among the people. I join you all in praying to the Almighty that this conflict ceases soon, allowing everyone to return to living a happy, joyful, secure, and loving life once again.
Following my debut film The Legend, my second film is titled Leader. This movie is set to hit theaters on April 3rd. The premise of the story revolves around an innocent father and his child, who are living a very happy and contented life together.” Suddenly, a massive gangster syndicate enters their lives; Director Durai Senthilkumar has crafted the subsequent events with elegance and aesthetic flair, in a manner that resonates deeply with today’s youth. He has poured his entire being into this film. It is a universal truth that when one dedicates oneself completely to their work, the result is nothing short of miraculous; true to this, this film has turned out to be a magnificent production.
This film does not feature any typical “Kuthu” dance numbers. Instead, the songs are woven seamlessly into the narrative, flowing along with the story, and are complemented by lyrics that are equally integral to the plot. Music Director Ghibran has composed a truly brilliant score.
The film was shot across various locations, including Georgia, Jaipur, Ooty, Thoothukudi, and Chennai. We were filming the climactic fight sequence aboard a train. As the shoot was underway—packed into a confined space with over a hundred foreign stunt artists and more than a thousand extras—I called my production manager and asked how many ambulances were on standby. He replied that there was only one. I immediately requested that two or three additional ambulances…
“Bring in the medics,” I said, “because there is no telling who might get hurt—or how or where—in this environment. Even I could sustain an injury, so we must be prepared.” However, by God’s grace, no one suffered any major injuries during that climactic fight sequence. On the tenth day, I sustained a minor injury to my leg, which created a dilemma regarding whether or not we should continue with the shoot. Keeping in mind the thousands of workers collaborating with me—and determined not to keep them waiting unnecessarily—I immediately received first aid and continued participating in the filming. The strength to do so came from God’s blessings and the encouragement provided by the entire team, including the director. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them once again.
I extend my gratitude to everyone who worked on this film: the cinematographer, art director, stunt master, the entire cast (actors and actresses), and the technical crew.
The experience of working on set alongside Aranthangi Nisha, Baby Iyal, George Maryan, Baahubali Prabhakar, Santhosh Prathap, Sham, Lal, Amritha Aiyer, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Andrea, and Payal Rajput was truly unforgettable. Prominent figures like Dhanush and Vetrimaaran, who have already watched the film, have praised it as a truly magnificent production.
We are confident that this film will emerge as a massive blockbuster—much like Jailer, Vikram, or Leo—because Leader possesses all the necessary qualities to achieve such success. It is a film that fans are sure to love. The movie is set to release this coming Good Friday; we urge everyone to come to the theaters with your families, watch the film, and extend your support. We guarantee that this movie will provide you with 100% satisfaction.
The faith we have placed in this film mirrors the faith we have placed in you—our audience. It is our firm belief that this movie will be a monumental success. Celebrate your summer holidays with Leader! “God never offers help directly; all good things happen only through good people. We must place our trust in them. Trust me.” — this dialogue features in the film, and it is a line I particularly cherish. “I am confident that all of you will thoroughly enjoy this movie,” he remarked.
Payal Rajput stars as the female lead in the film Leader. The cast also includes Shaam, Andrea Jeremiah, Lal, Prabhakar, Amritha Aiyer, VTV Ganesh, and several others in pivotal roles. The movie has been filmed across various locations, including Thoothukudi, Jaipur, Ooty, Georgia, and Chennai.
With Ghibran Vaibodha’s soul-stirring music, cinematographer S. Venkatesh’s stunning camera angles, Pradeep E. Ragav’s crisp editing, and Mahesh Mathew’s thrilling action sequences, Leader has emerged as a complete cinematic package—brimming with action, suspense, and entertainment.
The film has been produced on a grand scale by Legend Saravana Stores Productions. It is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 3rd.
