Audio Launch of the Film ‘Makkal Thalaiva’ Starring Ravi Mariya and Radha Ravi
The audio launch of the film Makkal Thalaiva—produced by Kavithalaya Saravanan Creations and directed by Ram Dev—was held grandly in Chennai. Director-actor Ravi Mariya plays the lead role in the film.
Directed by Ram Dev, Makkal Thalaiva features a cast that includes Ravi Mariya, Akshara Vijay, Radha Ravi, Pazha. Karuppiah, Nanjil Sampath, Director Perarasu, Ganja Karuppu, Kavithalaya Saravanan, Agni S. Varun, and others. Karthik S. Nair handled the cinematography, while Thulasi Raman composed the music. Produced by Kavithalaya Saravanan, the film is a political comedy-entertainer. S. Venkatesan, R. Chandrasekaran, and T. Ramkumar serve as co-producers.
With all production work completed and a theatrical release planned, the film’s audio launch took place in Chennai. Special guests attending the event included directors K. Bhagyaraj, R. K. Selvamani, R. V. Udhayakumar, Ezhil, Nandha Periyasamy, Brindha Sarathy, Liakath Ali Khan, C. Ranganathan, and A. R. Venkatesh; dialogue writer V. Prabhakar; music composer Deena; distributor Sridhar; and businessman Subburaj, alongside the film’s cast and crew.
Speaking at the event, producer Kavithalaya Saravanan said, “I have stepped into the film industry for the first time with this movie. All the stars who acted in this film visited my home; I consider that a huge success in itself.” “I have only ever seen many of the special guests present on this stage on screen before. It is a matter of pride for me to share this stage with them. Someone from the film industry has assumed the role of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu; I hope this will lead to support for small-budget producers. The actors, actresses, and technicians involved in this film have all worked incredibly hard and extended their full cooperation. This is a political comedy film. I request everyone to watch it in theaters and show their support,” he said.
Director Ram Dev said, “I am cherishing this moment in my life as a joyful treasure. This is because the legends of the film industry—figures I have long admired with awe—are all seated together on this stage. My heartfelt thanks to all of them.
I first pitched the story of this film, titled ‘Makkal Thalaiva’, to Director S.A. Chandrasekhar through Director C. Ranganathan. The story revolves around the issue of the ten-rupee surcharge on liquor bottles. I discussed the plot with him at length. At one point in the story, two opposing political poles unite against the hero. I questioned the logic of this, asking how it would be plausible. He replied that such things do happen in politics. He was also the one who chose the title ‘Makkal Thalaiva’ for the film. I express my heartfelt gratitude to him at this moment, though he was unable to act in the film due to certain unavoidable reasons.
Later, when we were listing potential actors for the role, Radha Ravi’s name came up. After hearing the story, he remarked, ‘I know politics well, yet you are aware of many things that I didn’t know. How did you come up with that?’ He then agreed to act in the film. On the set, he performed even better than expected.
Subsequently, Director C. Ranganathan suggested that Ravi Mariya was the perfect choice for the lead role.” “After that, I watched videos of his speeches from political stages online. That was when I decided he was the right man to play the lead role in this story. I met him, and initially, he was hesitant to take on the role. However, after hearing the full story, he agreed to play the protagonist. My thanks go to him as well. Subsequently, others joined the project one by one—Pazha. Karuppiah, Nanjil Sampath, Director Perarasu, and Ganja Karuppu. I thank them all,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Director R.K. Selvamani said, “Pazha. Karuppiah was the producer of the film Theerthakkaraiyinile, directed by Manivannan in 1986; I worked as an assistant director on that film. It brings me great joy to see him on this stage after forty years. The reason so many film industry celebrities have attended this event is simply because of Ravi Maria’s friendship. Ravi Maria is not only an excellent actor but also a man of great character. He has a generous nature and is always ready to help others; he is also a fine creative talent. When I held a position in the Directors’ Association, he donated lakhs of rupees without a moment’s hesitation whenever I asked for funds to provide welfare assistance to members.
He has played the lead role in this film. The two songs screened here were excellent. Music composer Thulasiraman has a bright future ahead, and I offer him my best wishes.
The film’s trailer was not screened here; when I asked why, I was told there were issues with the Censor Board.”
