Trailer Launch Event for the Movie ‘Dark’ Starring Ajay Karthi

The trailer launch event for the film ‘Dark’—starring Ajay Karthi and directed by debutant Kalyan K. Jegan—was held grandly in Chennai. The film is produced by A.B.V. Maran (MG Studios), Ganesh K. Babu, and K. Senthil (Five Star Creations).

DarkTrailer: https://youtu.be/fKUPkoYkhII?si=fwgmrkGhdNpEjsQJ

With a story penned by Ganesh K. Babu (famed for the film ‘Dada’), the movie features a cast that includes Ajay Karthi, Anjana Nethran, Natty Natraj, K. Bhagyaraj, Cibi Chakaravarthi, VTV Ganesh, Aravind, Sahul, and Naren. Ravi Sakthi has handled the cinematography, while Manu Ramesan has composed the music. This horror-thriller has been jointly produced by A.B.V. Maran, Ganesh K. Babu, and K. Senthil.

With all production work completed and a release planned soon, the trailer launch took place in Chennai. Special guests attending the event alongside the film crew included directors Pa. Ranjith, Karthik Yogi, Vignesh Karthik, and Maran Karthikeyan; actors Gautham Karthik, Rio, and Kalaiyarasan; and industry figures T. Siva, Five Star Kathiresan, Kamalakkannan, and Five Star Kalyanam.

Speaking at the event, producer Manimaran said, “‘Dark’ is a psychological horror-thriller. Often, after watching thrillers released in Malayalam or foreign languages, we wish for similar films to be made in Tamil. ‘Dark’ is exactly that kind of film.” “Ten to fifteen new heroes are emerging from Tamil cinema this year, and Ajay, the lead actor of this film, will hold a significant place among them.

Yuvan Shankar Raja and G.V. Prakash Kumar have sung a track for this movie, with music composed by S. Thaman; we created this song specifically for the film’s promotional campaign. I extend my gratitude to all the actors, actresses, and technicians who worked on this project.

After the success of the film ‘DaDa’, I was traveling one day with its director, Ganesh. When he asked about my aspirations, I mentioned my desire to become a film producer. He immediately wrote the story for ‘Dark’. Director Ganesh is the one who elevated me to the role of a producer through this film, and I thank him as well,” he said.

Producer T. Siva remarked, “The trailer for this film felt fresh and unconventional. Nowadays, audiences look for novelty, as films with unique storytelling tend to succeed. I am confident that ‘Dark’ will also offer something new and innovative.

I hope this film proves to be profitable, sets a new trend, and brings prosperity to everyone involved. I also wish for the film to be a success for its lead actor, Ajay Karthik,” he said.

Actor Rio said, “The trailer for ‘Dark’ was excellent. People often say that psychological thrillers have a niche fan base, but I hold a different view; these films appeal to family audiences as well. Families enjoy the thrill of watching a movie that keeps them on the edge of their seats, and the trailer captured those moments perfectly.” “Recently, a film titled ‘Obsession’—made on a budget of 10 crores—grossed over 1,300 crores and is enjoying great success. We often yearn for similar films to be made in Tamil cinema. In that spirit, I extend my best wishes to the team behind the movie ‘Dark’.

Ganesh K. Babu achieved massive success as the director of the film ‘DaDa’. He has now stepped into the role of a producer, a move that suits his talents perfectly. I wish him great success as a producer as well,” he said.

Actor Natty Natraj said, “Ganesh Babu, the director of ‘DaDa’, came to me to narrate a story. I was expecting a family-oriented, sentimental drama, but instead, he narrated the story of ‘Dark’. Upon hearing it, I immediately asked who the lead actor was. He told me it was Ajay Karthik. I wondered if he could pull off the role, given that he was a newcomer. However, while watching the film during the dubbing process, I was impressed; Ajay Karthik has delivered a fantastic performance.

Although ‘Five Star’ Senthil releases commercial films, he also supports content-driven movies. I thank him for that.

Watching the film on screen made me realize the hard work the team has put in. I believe this movie will achieve great success,” he said.

Director Pa. Ranjith said, “This is Ajay Karthik’s second film. The trailer was intriguing. His look and screen presence are strong. I wish him all the best.

Since this is a thriller, it will certainly…”
[16/06, 11:09] Flowing Fizz: …I hope you like it. The song featuring Yuvan Shankar Raja’s vocals was excellent.

My friend Ganesh K. Babu has transitioned from being a director to a producer. He is currently producing several films. Launching his own assistants as directors is a significant initiative, and I extend my best wishes to him.

Identifying the talent of those around us, providing them with opportunities, and bringing them to the public’s attention is a wonderful thing. However, it involves considerable risk and is no simple task. Producing a film is not easy; investing based on faith in a story brings the constant anxiety of whether the money will be recouped—a feeling I know well as a producer myself.

I believe it is crucial for producers like ‘Five Star’ Senthil to achieve success, especially with small-budget films. Just as the political landscape in Tamil Nadu has undergone change, the Tamil film industry is seeing small films draw audiences back to theaters. Movies like Blast and Sirai have had theatrical releases and performed well at the box office. Even the big-budget film Karuppu achieved success. Recently, the film Habibi also attracted large crowds, with many screenings running to packed houses.

I view the theater as a democratic space. If we place our faith in the audience and create quality films, we will certainly achieve success and profitability. In that spirit, I wish the film Dark great success,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, producer ‘Five Star’ Senthil said, “I have watched the film; it is excellent. I urge everyone to watch it in theaters, enjoy it, and extend their support.”

Actress Anjana Nethran said, “I am making my debut with the film Dark.” “In my very first film, I have had the opportunity to act alongside major stars like K. Bhagyaraj, Natty Natraj, and VTV Ganesh. I consider this a true blessing. The lead actor, Ajay Karthik, is a hard worker; he is a very pleasant and innocent person—even more innocent than I am. The experience of working with him was unforgettable.

I am grateful to the producer and director for placing their trust in me and giving me this opportunity. Producer Ganesh Babu has also offered me a role in his next film. I am sure the audience will love this movie; everyone should go to the theaters to watch it,” she said.

Speaking on the occasion, actor Gautham Ram Karthik said, “The team behind this film is very close to me; in fact, I am collaborating with them on my next project as well. That is why I feel a strong personal connection to this event.

The trailer for the film Dark was excellent, especially the visuals. The writing is strong, so the film is sure to be a huge success. I extend my best wishes to the entire team.

Ajay Karthik has delivered a stellar, next-level performance in this film. The Tamil film industry has gained a fine actor—the new ‘chocolate boy’ of Tamil cinema. He has a truly charming smile.

It has long been my wish to work with Natty Natraj, and I hope that happens soon.” “The film’s producers, Ganesh K. Babu and Manimaran, are very close to my heart,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, actor Ajay Karthi said, “This is a very special stage for me. Beyond just being a film, Dark has been a learning experience for me; it was during the shoot of this movie that I truly learned the nuances of cinema. I thank A.P.V. Maran and Ganesh K. Babu, the two individuals responsible for initiating this project.

After the success of the film Dada, director Ganesh K. Babu could have easily chosen to work with another established actor. Instead, he chose to produce an experimental film like this, placing his trust in newcomers. With this film, he has made his debut not only as a producer but also as a lyricist; we extend our best wishes to him for that as well.

We have journeyed together for several years, a period filled with many interesting incidents and amusing moments.

The film’s other producer is Five Star K. Senthil—my father. No amount of thanks expressed on any stage would be enough for him. Initially, when I told him it was a horror film, he hesitated. He wondered if his son should really make his debut in such a serious horror movie. However, once he understood our team’s vision, he has been extending his support in every possible way.

I have worked with director Kalyan K. Jegan for three years. I really admire his presence of mind. No matter what constraints arose on the set, he used his talent to resolve them and ensure a great experience for the entire crew. He never gets stressed about anything.

On the set, Natti Nat [Natty] would observe even my smallest movements with precision and offer insights on how to improve them…”
Raj has taught me a lot; his approach truly energized me.

“Dark” has been crafted as an experimental psychological horror-thriller. We wanted to offer the audience a fresh cinematic experience. Our goal was to create a film that—while perhaps allowing viewers to guess what might happen next—diverges from those expectations to deliver genuine entertainment. I urge everyone to watch the movie in theaters and share your feedback on social media. I hope you all enjoy it,” he said.

Director Kalyan K. Jegan said, “This is my first time on a stage like this. I am grateful to our mentor, Director Ganesh K. Babu, for making this opportunity possible. He was the one who first asked me to look at the monitor while he was acting in a short film. I am overjoyed that he later gave me the chance to direct my debut feature film under his production.

Producer Manimaran is a fascinating person and an expert in the business side of cinema; he played a key role in bringing the stars on board for this project. I am happy to have had the support of both these individuals for my debut film; their collaboration was the driving force behind the movie’s creation.

Ajay Karthi plays the lead role; he is a newcomer, just as I am. We would constantly look to each other for support. Then there is the heroine, Anjana—also a newcomer. We all relied on one another and gave our best on screen.

Natti Natraj mentioned that the set was always quiet. In fact, whenever he arrived, we would naturally ensure the atmosphere remained calm. He was with us throughout a long shooting schedule.

The entire story revolves around Ajay. He understood our vision perfectly and delivered a great performance on set.” “All the other actors, actresses, and technicians involved in this film extended their full cooperation. I would like to express my gratitude to them at this moment,” he said.

Producer Ganesh K. Babu said, “I couldn’t speak much at the Dada audio launch event. I was under immense stress. At that time, I couldn’t even fully savor the success of the film. Also, I am not someone who usually speaks a lot on stage. However, I decided I wanted to speak at length on this occasion.

I decided to become a film director when I was 13. I was determined to do whatever it took to achieve that. I was told I needed to study, so I studied. I was told I needed to work as an assistant director, so I did. I was told I needed to go places and meet people, so I did. Then, I was told to make short films, so I directed them. I was told to make music videos, so I did that too. I did everything, yet I couldn’t become a director. I just knew something was going slightly wrong somewhere. During the COVID period, everything came to a standstill. I wondered if I had been fooling myself for ten years, thinking I would never get a chance to make a film after the pandemic ended. So, I gave up on it and took up a different job. That was when I received a call. I narrated the story of Dada. Immediately after the narration, work began to turn it into a film.

The producer insisted that the film be completed within a specific budget. I had to handle the work not just as a producer, but also as a director. I carefully looked for ways to cut costs for the producer wherever possible.

Kalyan is my friend; we have been friends since our school days. He journeyed with me. I don’t even recall exactly when he transitioned into being my assistant.” He had a good job and was earning well. It was I who disrupted his career.

I asked him for an office space where I could work. He immediately allocated a section of his own office for me. Over time, it became my office. Eventually, he even started working alongside me. When I asked about this, he told me, “You become a director first; we can figure out the rest later.”

I once told Kalyan’s wife, “He will definitely become a big name someday.” Today, that has come true.

Senthil Sir visited while the rough cut of the movie DaDa was being edited. At that moment, I didn’t even know who he was; the producer had brought him along. I had studied cinema, but I didn’t know the nuances of how to conduct oneself within the industry. The day after Senthil Sir watched the film and left… my life changed. I don’t know what kind of magic it was. The very next day, everyone started treating me differently. For the first time…
It was Senthil Sir who gave the green light to the movie DaDa. It is the confidence I derive from Senthil Sir’s presence that enables me to keep producing films. My thanks go to him as well.

Everyone who worked on this film is a friend of mine. I am in a good position in the film industry today; producing DaRK for them is a small gesture compared to what they did for me. They worked on DaDa without expecting anything in return. In a way, DaRK is my ‘thank you’ for DaDa.

I wrote the story for this film with Dhanush Sir in mind, but Ajay stepped forward to play the role. I asked Kalyan if Ajay would be a good fit.

To be honest, I harbored doubts about Ajay. After the day’s shoot, I would always review the footage. One day, the climax scene was scheduled to be filmed. I wanted to watch the shoot. As they were filming the scene, I walked onto the set. It was very quiet; everyone was focused on their work. Ajay was performing. The director got the shot he wanted, and Kalyan approved it. Yet, Ajay rushed over frantically and asked if we could do ‘one more’ take. I didn’t understand. I told Ajay, “It’s getting late; the director got what he wanted—that’s enough.” Eventually, he convinced the director to let him perform the scene again. I walked away and sat by myself, feeling angry. But when he finished the scene and the director called “Cut,” it felt like a slap in the face—in the best possible way. That shot turned out to be my favorite part of the film. Since that incident, whenever an actor on my set confidently asks for another take, I allow it. That is something I learned from Ajay.

Ajay is this film. “The story revolves around his character. No one would believe that this is Ajay’s debut film; he has delivered an outstanding performance.

‘Dark’ is releasing this month, followed by ‘Karate Babu’ next month, and then ‘Bloody Politics’. Please extend your support to all these films releasing over the next three months,” he said.

Manu Ramesan has composed the music for ‘Dark’, while Ravi Sakthi handled the cinematography. Kathiresan Alagesan is in charge of editing, Shanmugaraja handled art direction, Knife Naren choreographed the stunts, and Sathish handled the choreography. Lyrics: Yugabharathi, Vivek, Ganesh K. Babu; Sound Design: Arunachalam Sivalingam; Makeup: Muhammad; Costume Design: Gayathri Balasubramanian; Executive Production: Meena Arunesh; Sound Mixing: B. Muthukrishnan; DI: Lixo Pixels; Colorist: G. S. Muthu; Stills: Kumaresan; Production Manager: Balaji Babu S; Co-director: Sathish Sukumar; Associate Cinematography: Kannadasan Chezhiyan; Associate Editing: Deepan Chandrasekaran; Music Label: Think Music.