“It was love that made Vijay the Chief Minister” – Aagayam film event: Dinanthorum Nagaraj!!
“Nagaraj is a prime example that one can rise again even after hitting rock bottom” – Ajayan Bala!!
“I cannot tell a story the way Nagaraj does” – Director Sasi!!
‘Aagayam’ – Grand audio launch ceremony held!
‘Aagayam’ is a new film produced by Jayachandran and Karthika Devi under the Delta Talkies banner, with story, screenplay, and dialogues written and directed by Dinanthorum Nagaraj. The film’s audio launch ceremony took place recently.
Film industry personalities—including directors R.V. Udhayakumar, Perarasu, Sasi, and Cheran; director-actor Chitra Lakshmanan; producer T. Siva; and directors Sarkunam and Balasekar—attended the event as special guests and extended their best wishes to the film crew.
Director Dinanthorum Nagaraj
Having returned to the director’s chair with the film ‘Aagayam’, he has also penned the story, screenplay, and dialogues for the movie.
At the event
Producer Jayachandran spoke as follows:
“Since this is my first time on stage, I am unsure of what to say. You have likely seen the trailer and songs of the film ‘Aagayam’. A single news report or opinion from the media can transform a situation in a day—or sometimes even in a split second. It is with faith in that media that I present my debut creation to you. I hope to receive your blessings and support for this film.” Writer Ajayan Bala said:
“I have known Nagaraj as a friend for about 25 years, ever since the days of the film Dinanthorum. I first met him while working in journalism. Even then, his storytelling style amazed me; he would describe every scene with such intricate detail that it felt like it was unfolding right before one’s eyes. Back then, we would all gather around him, eagerly waiting to hear his stories—his storytelling talent truly captivated us.”
He continued, “On the day Dinanthorum was released, I witnessed fans lifting Nagaraj up in celebration as we stepped out of the theater. We all expected him to reach great heights in his career. However, what followed was something we hadn’t anticipated; Nagaraj hit rock bottom—sinking as low as one possibly could in life. Yet, despite his immense talent, he never made a fuss about it or sought to capitalize on it.”
He added, “At one point, Sasi and I also thought Nagaraj was finished. But Nagaraj stands as a shining example that no matter how low one falls, it is possible to rise again. The man we once viewed as a hero has returned today with a new creative work. While this might be just an ordinary event for others, for Nagaraj, it marks a new beginning—a rebirth.” Best wishes to everyone who worked on the film, and may the movie be a success. Director Balasekar spoke as follows:
“I met Nagaraj anna about 30 years ago. From the moment I met him, I was captivated by everything about him—his way of speaking, his manner of interacting, his storytelling skills, and the way he described scenes. If I were to name anyone as my mentor in cinema, it would undoubtedly be Nagaraj anna. I learned so much from him—dialogue writing, voice modulation, and the art of storytelling. Notably, in his films, he always crafted female characters and their dialogues with great dignity and precision.”
He continued, “The character Nagaraj sir played in the film Dinanthorum appeared in the Telugu version titled Manishi. Ravi Teja, who is a massive star today, was his co-star in that film. Nagaraj sir possessed the talent to achieve that same level of fame. Despite facing various challenges in his life, he never abandoned cinema. He is a shining example of the fact that cinema never forsakes a person. Seeing him create the film Aagayam and bring us all together for this occasion fills me with immense pride and happiness.”
He added, “I must thank the producers, Jayachandran sir and Karthika Devi, for backing this project solely based on Nagaraj sir’s talent. We often seek out experienced professionals in other fields, yet I fail to understand why the film industry tends to overlook those with experience. It is truly commendable that they chose to place their faith in Nagaraj’s talent. His films always reflect social consciousness and feature dialogues that address societal issues; he believes in conveying a meaningful message rather than just making a movie for the sake of it. The support of his family, who stood by him through life’s ups and downs, has been a tremendous source of strength. I wish for Aagayam to be a massive success and for Nagaraj sir to scale great heights once again.” Director Sarkunam said…
“Jayachandran Karthika Devi, the producer of the film ‘Aagayam’, is my younger brother and relative. Our…”
“The two families share a long-standing, close relationship. On behalf of the Tamil film industry, I welcome and congratulate my younger brother, who is making his debut in Tamil cinema with his first production, Aagayam,” he said.
He further added, “Nagaraj—who once made the entire Tamil film industry take notice with the movie Dinanthorum—should once again get everyone talking about him through Aagayam. I wish for this film to be a significant success for him.” He extended his best wishes to the entire film crew, including music composer Raghunandan, the cast members (such as Sriram Karthik), and the technical team, saying, “May the success of Aagayam soar as high as the sky.”
Actor Sriram Karthik spoke as follows:
“It gives me great joy to have worked with a renowned director like Nagaraj sir. I realized just how much he loved and cherished this character the moment he narrated the script. Even on the final day of the shoot, he praised me, saying I had portrayed the character exactly as he had envisioned it; that meant a great deal to me. His direction—and especially the dialogues—are the film’s greatest strengths. Through this movie, I witnessed firsthand how even brief lines of dialogue can elevate a scene.”
He continued, “Producers Jai sir and Karthika Devi ma’am are truly kind-hearted people. I sincerely hope this film brings them immense success and profit, enabling them to produce many more movies. I have long been a fan of music composer Raghunandan sir’s work, so I am delighted to be acting in a film featuring his music. Cinematographer Karthik sir has worked brilliantly on this project alongside Nagaraj sir from day one; his hard work is evident in the trailer and the songs.”
He concluded by saying, “My thanks go to all the technicians who worked on this film. Alisha Mirani has performed excellently; she is sure to achieve great heights in her career.” “I have many scenes with Kanika Ma’am. Deepa Akka has also performed brilliantly. I request the friends from the press—who have extended their love and support to me since the film Kanni Maadam—to support this film as well. Aagayam is a beautiful film that fosters nothing but love. I am confident that you will support this movie and make it a success. I express my gratitude to all the veterans from the film industry who attended this event,” he said.
Director Krishna spoke next:
“Whenever I see Nagaraj Sir, a smile naturally comes to my face. He is such a positive person; one could listen to him speak endlessly. There is so much to say about him. My friendship with him began with the film Minnale; he was the dialogue writer, and I was the associate director. Since then, I have shared all my story ideas with him first, sought his feedback and suggestions, and made changes accordingly. He is a highly creative individual.”
He added, “In the film Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, a small suggestion Nagaraj made to enhance a crucial scene involving Suriya and Jyothika is what ultimately drew applause in theaters. I never had the chance to reveal until now that Nagaraj’s idea was behind that scene; today, I finally have that opportunity. He is not only an excellent director and writer but also a superb actor. His character was the show-stealer in the film Dinanthorum. His acting is so compelling that it is impossible for anyone else to steal the limelight when sharing the screen with him.”
“It is truly delightful to see Nagaraj back after a brief hiatus. I hope this film achieves massive success. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing his writing. My best wishes go to the producers, technicians, and the entire film crew. Both Sriram Karthik and Alisha have delivered excellent, highly expressive performances.” “I am also a fan of the performances by Kanika Ma’am and Deepa Akka. My heartfelt best wishes to the entire film crew,” he said.
Music composer Raghunandan spoke next:
“First, I must thank producer Jayachandran and director Nagaraj Sir for inviting me to compose the music for this film. When I first met Nagaraj Sir, I was a bit apprehensive about working with him. However, I was truly amazed by the way he narrated the story—acting out each character himself for over two hours. He seemed to live the life of every character. That is why I would listen with rapt attention whenever he narrated the story.”
He added, “Nagaraj Sir was deeply involved in the creation of the songs as well. During recording sessions, he would sit with the musicians, appreciate every detail, and select the best elements. Regarding the background score, he ensured it reflected the film’s characters and the natural lives of middle-class families…”
“…kept that in mind while working. Everyone, including the lead actors, truly lived their roles. That is why I felt the background score required a unique approach,” he said.
“It was a great pleasure working with Nagaraj sir. I have been a fan of his work since the film Dinanthorum. I sincerely hope this film wins a National Award. I trust that the media friends who bring every film to the audience will take this one to the people as well. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked on this film and to everyone present on stage,” he said.
Director Sasi spoke next:
“First, as a friend, I must thank the producer who made the film Aagayam for the sake of my friend Nagaraj. I have listened to many of music director Raghunandan sir’s songs. The songs in this film are simple and easily enjoyable for the audience, perfectly suiting the story. These songs will certainly reach the people. My thanks to all the actors and technicians who worked on the film,” he said.
“I met Nagaraj about 30 years ago. Back then, he narrated a story that lasted from 6 PM to 8 PM. The way he told the story left me absolutely amazed. I thought to myself, ‘I could never tell a story like that; if one doesn’t know how to tell a story this way, one cannot become a good director.’ That very day, I spoke highly of him to my friends. Although Nagaraj is a friend, I view him as a truly creative individual. I deeply appreciate the sensibility in his stories and, in particular, the dignity with which he portrays female characters,” he said.
“Some directors might make flawed films, but there are others who simply cannot make a bad film; I see Nagaraj as a director incapable of making a bad movie. Some films finish their run in theaters, but others continue to play in our minds long after they end.” “Nagaraj is a director who creates such films. I am eagerly looking forward to the movie Aagayam, and I hope you do too. I believe Nagaraj will not disappoint us. I wish the film great success,” he said.
Chitra Lakshmanan spoke next:
“First, I would like to thank Jayachandran and Karthika Devi, the producers of Aagayam. They have brought a talented artist back into cinema after a significant hiatus, and for that, they deserve our gratitude. The star of this event is music composer Raghunandan. I have long been a fan of his music; he is an exceptional composer. I feel the time is near for him to reach great heights in his career.”
He added, “There was a time when meeting Nagaraj was a rather uncomfortable experience. He had made some mistakes in his life—alcoholism being one of them. Drinking is certainly a mistake, but he has recovered and rebuilt his life. When I interviewed him, he opened up and shared his life story candidly; that interview received a tremendous response from fans. Everyone stumbles in life, but the person who rises again after a fall is the true human being. Nagaraj has achieved that, and that is what I admire most about him.”
He continued, “Many people here, including Sasi and Krishna, have praised Nagaraj’s talent. What I couldn’t understand was why such a talented individual went without opportunities for so long. Now, he has finally received that chance. He has assembled an excellent team. The film has many positive aspects, including a fine lead actor who speaks Tamil beautifully. Nagaraj’s immense talent is already proven; all he needed was an opportunity to demonstrate it once more. I also thank the producer for providing that opportunity. I hope this film becomes a massive success.” “Jayachandran should continue to produce good films. Tamil cinema has found a fine producer in him,” he said, offering his best wishes.
Director Perarasu spoke as follows:
“I am delighted to see Nagaraj making a comeback to cinema with the film Aagayam. I had heard about him in the past, and when I met him in person, I was deeply impressed by his passion for cinema and his storytelling ability. Nagaraj is immensely talented. I really admired his performance and the way he handled his character in the film Dinanthorum. Although he faced setbacks in his life along the way, the fact that he has bounced back is truly commendable.”
He further added, “Achieving success in cinema requires one kind of talent, but sustaining that success requires another. Many people achieve success but fail to hold onto it. One must personally analyze the reasons behind both one’s success and failure. In that regard, in his own life…”
“Having recognized his past missteps and corrected his course, Nagaraj stands before us today as a man with clarity. If the Nagaraj of Dinanthorum was someone who achieved success, the Nagaraj of Aagayam has returned with the ability to sustain that success,” he said.
He continued, “Nagaraj has played a role in the growth of many directors who are successful in Tamil cinema today; he has used his talent to help many people. Even back in Dinanthorum, he captivated audiences with his natural dialogue delivery, realistic acting, and body language. It is a joy to see such an artist return with Aagayam. I hope Nagaraj achieves massive success with this film and continues to direct movies. From here on out, may he know nothing but success—success and nothing else.”
Director Nagaraj spoke next:
“First, I want to thank everyone who has made it possible for me to stand here again. Producer Jayachandran Karthika Devi listened to the story I narrated for nearly three hours and decided immediately that this film had to be made. I might have worked on many films or earned a lot of money in the past, but she appreciated my stubborn insistence on making films ‘my way’ and placed her trust in me to produce this movie. I have crafted this film while honoring that trust. The confidence she showed in the project right after seeing the trailer gave me immense strength.”
He added, “There are many people—not just in cinema but across all fields—who, like me, have strayed onto the wrong path in life and wish to find their way back. There is a line in this film: ‘When alcohol goes in, the family goes out.’ Drinking brings illness, debt, police trouble, and other issues, ultimately tearing the family apart. Therefore, alcohol consumption should never be viewed as something to be celebrated. At the same time, this film will serve as a voice advocating for the idea that someone who has gone astray can rise again and deserves immense support.” “If I could make a comeback, I believe many others like me can do the same,” he said.
He continued, “The film’s treatment of the subject of alcohol consumption isn’t a mere storyline, a public service announcement, or something tedious. Instead, it is woven into a beautiful love story as a small, meaningful element relevant to life. Politics, too, is present in the film. Politics exists in everything we do—whether we stand, sit, speak, laugh, or run; it is in every single frame. Yet, above all else, this film speaks of love. The fact that friends like Sasi and Balasekaran have come here today to support me reflects a bond of affection that transcends cinema and the profession itself. I am once again convinced that this world is built on love. It was that very love that propelled Vijay to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. ‘Aagayam’ speaks of that same love. I am certain you will enjoy the film.” “I hope everyone will like it,” he said. My thanks to Karthik Nallamuthu for standing by me and placing his trust in me.
Sriram Karthik, who garnered attention with his natural acting in the film Kanni Maadam, plays the lead role. Alisha Mirani makes her debut as the female lead. Additionally, the cast includes Sheela, Kanika, Santhana Bharathi, Jayaprakash, Giri Dwarakish, Sri Devakrishnan, Indhumathi Manikandan (known for Meiyazhagan), Deepa, Sanjana Namidas (National Award winner for Maharaja), Rosary, and Writer Hariharan in key roles.
Karthik Nallamuthu, known for his cinematography in films like Chennai 2 Singapore and Kadhal Conditions Apply, has handled the cinematography for Aagayam.
Raghunandan, who composed music for films such as Neerparavai and Ayothi, has composed the music for this film. Eknath, Sarathi, and Ramanikanthan have penned the lyrics. Surya, who edited films like Oru Nodi and Jenma Natchathiram, has handled the editing. Fire Karthik has choreographed the stunts, while Manikandan has handled the choreography.
With the audio launch event held amidst great enthusiasm among the film crew, the film fraternity, and fans, Aagayam is expected to hit theaters soon.