The mere mention of the name Mani Ratnam is enough to kindle curiosity among film buffs. Blame it on the impact created by the director and it was visible when the cast and crew of his forthcoming venture ‘Raavanan’ came together for a promotional meet in Chennai Friday. The grand and glitzy promotional event organised at Mutha Venkata Subba Rao Hall at Lady Andal Higher Secondary School in Chetpet took off when singer Karthik performed the mellifluous ‘Usure Pogudhey…', tuned by A R Rahman for ‘Raavanan’. Trailers of songs ‘Veera…’, ‘Kodu Potta…’, ‘Kalvare…’, and ‘Usure Pogudhey…’ were screened between the live performances by Rahman and Karthik. And Vikram, the protagonist of the movie, appeared with a mud-smeared face and gave a dance performance on stage. In his address, yesteryear hero Karthik, who is making a comeback with this film, said, “Raavanan will be better than both ‘Agni Nakshatram’ and ‘Mouna Raagam’, the two movies which gave me such a push in the industry.” Prithviraj and Priyamani recalled their experiences while shooting for the film. “Mani sir led us by example. Working with him was no doubt a rewarding experience.” Prabhu said Mani took immense pains and he was at his professional best. “Be it rain or shine, he was there to guide us,” he said. |
