The ‘Viswanath & Sons’ team, starring ‘The One’ Surya, expresses gratitude to the media and fans!
Produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, and directed by Venky Atluri, the film Viswanath & Sons—starring ‘The One’ Surya—was released on August 14th. It has achieved massive success and is setting box-office records with overwhelming support from fans. Delighted by this outcome, the film’s team has expressed their thanks to the fans and the media for making the movie a hit.
To mark this occasion, a special event was held in Chennai, attended by the film’s team. Participants included distributor Haritha Lingasamy, actor Sunil Reddy, lyricist Balaji Venugopal, actresses Radhika Sarathkumar, Bhavani Sre, and Mamitha Baiju, music composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, and director Venky Atluri.
Speaking at the event, lyricist Balaji Venugopal said:
“For the past 23 years, ‘speech’ has been my life, as I am an RJ. I have hosted thousands of stage shows. I have taken the stage as a film director and as a director of web series. However, this is the first time I am taking the stage as a lyricist. This is a very significant moment for me, and it brings me great joy.
Arunraja Kamaraj and I have collaborated to write songs for this film for the very first time.
Whenever I take the stage for cinema-related events, the first person I thank is G.V. Prakash Kumar. Back in 2003, while he was composing music for the film Veyil, he played the song ‘Uruguthey Maruguthey’ for me and asked if it would connect with the audience…” He had asked me [to be involved]. Everyone knows the extent of the success he has achieved by now; he has won three National Awards. G.V. is more than just a friend to me; he is my mentor. Among the current generation of young musicians, G.V. Prakash Kumar is the only composer who has mastered every aspect and nuance of music and has composed scores for films across all genres produced in India. I thank both G.V. and director Venky Atluri for giving me the opportunity to write lyrics for this film.
Venky Atluri, whom I met through G.V. Prakash, is a truly wonderful human being. The film you enjoyed—Viswanath & Sons—is not merely a product of Venky’s artistry; it comes straight from his heart. I read the screenplay a year ago and was moved to tears at several points. He has translated that emotion onto the screen with great finesse. He has a brilliant future ahead of him. I thank him for this opportunity as well.
I interviewed Suriya in 2003 for the film Ghajini. He arrived five minutes late for the scheduled interview, but the delay wasn’t his fault; it was caused by the elevator in our office building. He apologized the moment he arrived. That graciousness—apologizing for a five-minute delay—left me amazed. It is precisely that humanity that draws so many fans to him today. People have truly loved and embraced Suriya in this film; I also want to thank director Venky Atluri for portraying him as a family man on screen.
When we visited the theater to gauge the audience’s response, the love and support shown by the fans truly uplifted us. “It takes a great deal of courage for a massive star like Suriya to act in a film of this genre. He possesses that courage, and I thank him for it,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, actress Bhavani Sre said:
“I am very happy. I am delighted to have played a part in this film. Although my role was small, the director had written it beautifully. I thank the director for giving me the character of ‘Meghna.’
I felt apprehensive at the thought of acting alongside Suriya—a star I have admired on screen since childhood. However, once I arrived on set, he spoke naturally and encouraged me, saying, ‘Meghna is a good character; you should perform it well.’ His words dispelled my fear, and I felt at ease. The days spent working with him were unforgettable.
Radhika Sarathkumar and Mamitha Baiju are true powerhouses in this film. Watching them on screen made me wish I could share the frame with them; every scene they appeared in was exquisite. Working with Raveena was also a wonderful experience. The entire shooting schedule in Ooty was memorable. Thank you to everyone.”
Actress Radhika Sarathkumar said:
“I thank the media and the fans for making this film a success.
In these times, capturing and retaining people’s attention has become difficult; it is hard to hold a conversation with anyone for more than a minute. Yet, by connecting with fans through love and affection, and by patiently telling the story—uniting everyone in a shared mindset—this film achieved success…”
I stand here today feeling a sense of pride as I speak about this. My congratulations go to the film crew that made this success possible.
When Director Venky narrated the story scene by scene, I asked him, “Did Suriya agree to act in all these scenes?” He confirmed that Suriya had indeed agreed to them.
I then told the director, “If the heroine isn’t beautiful, this film won’t work.” He mentioned that they were looking for a suitable actress. One day, while visiting the set of the movie Dude, I saw Mamitha. Later, Sarathkumar sir remarked that she was a very talented young woman and a good actor. I was delighted when Director Venky Atluri announced that Mamitha would be the heroine.
Everyone has watched and enjoyed this film, and it has received various reviews—all of which made me happy. Sarath sir and I watched the movie in a theater. Usually, whenever he watches a film, he finds faults and critiques it, saying things like, “They could have done this differently…” or “They should have done that…” But after watching this film, he said, “I love this movie. It’s excellent.”
In this film, the hero’s mother is his entire world; he doesn’t get close to anyone else while she is alive. I wholeheartedly appreciate Venky for the way he portrayed the shock the hero experiences after his mother’s death and his subsequent journey toward new relationships. I had watched his film Lucky Baskhar and liked it very much, but this film showcased truly intelligent writing.
I met Kamal Haasan just yesterday, and he remarked that there ought to be training sessions and discussions on the art of intelligent writing.
Behind every story in cinema, there is a family. “Everyone in a family dreams of working hard and achieving success together; there is a unique bond within such families. Some films capture this essence perfectly, and Viswanath & Sons is one such movie. Everyone involved worked together like a true family.
GV Prakash Kumar is a genius. I spent an hour talking with Sivakumar and mentioned that this film feels like a different version of the movie Avan Aval Adhu. It evokes unique memories for everyone who watches it.
Back in the day, Suriyavamsam was a film I considered a great family movie. Since then, Viswanath & Sons is a film I have truly enjoyed. Every character in this movie speaks intelligently and honestly, standing by their own valid perspectives. I want to thank Venky once again for this. He has a bright future ahead, and I wish him continued success.”
Actress Mamitha Baiju said:
“Congratulations to the Viswanath & Sons team. Thank you for your support and guidance. We miss Suriya Sir. My thanks go to the media and the fans who made this film a success.
For those who haven’t seen it yet—please go to the theaters and watch it. You will leave the cinema with a deep sense of fulfillment.”
Music composer GV Prakash Kumar said:
“I thank the producer and the production company for giving me the opportunity to compose music for this film.
Next, I thank director Venky Atluri. I first collaborated with him on the film Vaathi, which was a massive success. Following that, I worked with him on Lucky Baskhar, which also achieved tremendous success.” Following that, I collaborated on the film ‘Viswanath & Sons’—marking our third project together. With three consecutive successes, he has achieved a hat-trick; I am grateful to him for this.
The songs for the film ‘Vaathi’ were released in both Tamil and Telugu and became a hit; I even received a National Award for this work. Subsequently, I received numerous offers from the Telugu film industry, and Venky is the reason behind this.
Recently, while in Hyderabad for another project, everyone I met praised the music of ‘Viswanath & Sons’ as outstanding. It was truly a proud moment when people voluntarily came forward to appreciate the music and my contribution to the film. I consider this to be true success.
The film has achieved massive success overseas. In Andhra Pradesh, the box-office collection for the film starring Suriya has set a new record; this brings me great joy.
This is a significant year for Suriya. He has delivered two consecutive blockbuster hits and is set to release a third film soon—expected either around Diwali or before the end of the year. I extend my gratitude to Suriya for this. After the film ‘Soorarai Pottru’, once again
“I have worked with Arya before, and I have teamed up with him for a third film as well. I hope our pairing scores a hat-trick of hits.
I have even received a slap from Radhika ma’am on the set. She is a true inspiration. Just like for Suriya, this is a significant year for Radhika ma’am too. Her performance in ‘Thaaykizhavi’ was a massive success, followed by ‘Viswanath & Sons’—that film was a hit as well. When I watched the scenes featuring Radhika ma’am for the background score, I found myself weeping without even realizing it.
For this film, we created two songs in just three days during the final stages. Those very two songs have now become huge hits and are being shared widely by everyone.
You never know when ‘magic moments’ will occur; in music, that magic can happen at any time. I want to thank Venky once again for this.
This film hasn’t received a single negative review so far; that is its greatest highlight. Such things happen very rarely,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Venky Atluri said:
“I thank the fans and the media for making this film a success. You supported my previous two films, ‘Vaathi’ and ‘Lucky Baskhar,’ as well. This is the first time I have directed a film in Tamil.
A press screening was held for this film. As the movie ended, my legs were trembling with anxiety, wondering what the journalists would say. But once the film concluded, everyone praised me. They shook my hands, hugged me, and kept expressing their affection. It is something I can never forget. I thank everyone for this.
Sunil, Bhavani Sree, and music composer G.V., who acted in this film…” “My thanks go to Prakash Kumar, the film’s distributor Lingusamy, Radhika Madam, and Mamitha Baiju.
Mamitha Baiju is a pure soul—a sister to me. She is a wonderful actress who thinks of nothing but cinema. If the opportunity arises, I would love to work with her again.
I have been on a journey with G.V. Prakash Kumar since the film Vaathi. When I first met him, I asked, ‘How should I address you—Sir? Bro?’ He told me to call him ‘Bro.’ But now, we are truly like brothers; we have worked together on three films. Even if I decided against a song after it was fully completed, he would create a brand-new one without the slightest frown or complaint. He wouldn’t even charge a fee for it. He never refuses whatever I ask of him. I am grateful for this understanding.
‘The One’—Suriya—is not here right now, but his love and support are with everyone. When I narrated the story to him, he agreed to act in this family drama without expressing any specific expectations. I believe the innate courage he possesses is the reason for his immense success. The love he holds for his fans is incomparable.
Just a moment ago, a film industry insider mentioned that Suriya’s Viswanathan & Sons has crossed the ₹150 crore mark in collections. Hearing that gave me goosebumps.
Suriya considers it paramount to offer a unique kind of treat to his fans; this, too, is a form of love for them.
I express my gratitude for every ticket sold in theaters and for every round of applause from the fans watching the movie. Please continue to support the Viswanathan family—not just Viswanathan & Sons, but the Viswanathan family itself,” he said.
