Audio release of <i>Periyar</i>

Thursday, December 28, 2006
The audio release function of Periyar was gladdening to the heart and eyes.

Directed by Gnanarajasekharan, Periyar has music by Vidyasagar and lyrics by Vairamuthu. The audio release took place at Kalaivanar Arangham, Chennai. When Sathyaraj stepped out in the get-up of the young Periyar and greeted the guests with folded hands, the audience went into raptures and the function started.

Clips of the songs were screened and then the VIPs welcomed on to the stage. The first cassette and Cd were released by chief minister M Karunanidhi and accepted by actor Kamal Hassan. Sathyraj spoke first and entertained the audience so much that they burst into delighted applause.

Cinematographer Thankar Bachan requested the Tamilnadu government to include Periyar's ideals included in school syllabus. Composer Vidyasagar spoke about he researched on the music and sounds of Periyar's time before composing the music. Lyricist Vairamuthu said the words have already been written by Periayar and all he did was use them suitably for the songs.

DMK leader K Veeramani said the function was to thank Karunanidhi for sanctioning 95 lakhs for making the film on Periyar. From his Sivaji shooting spot, Rajini sent his note of good wishes to the Periyar unit.

As the function was nearing to an end, a panting Khushboo hurried in and took the mike. "I consider myself very fortunate to have acted in the film. This is an unforgettable role in my life. Even though the film has given me much happiness, I'm also sad at the same time," she said. She paused, directed a look at Thankar Bachan, and continued, "Thankar Bachan did not shoot the scenes where I acted as Maniyammai. There are no issues between him and me. Others have instigated this. He is a talented cinematographer. I am sorry that he has not filmed my scenes."

Hero Sathyaraj was clad in black shirt and blue jeans, but Kamal was in full black.

Kamal said it was his brother Charuhasan and director R C Sakthi who introduced Periyar's ideals to him, also sharing the news that the Kerala govt had given him an award for being best rationalist.

Karunanidhi spoke last. He reminisced about the times he had spent with Periyar and when he spoke of Sathyaraj's acting fee, the audience burst into laughter. "I don't think Sathyaraj had people's welfare in mind for acting free in the film. It is more out of self interest. Being a biography, this film will still be spoken about 100 years from now.

They will say, "There was as film titled Periyar. So and so acted in it. On the 100th day celebrations, all these people participated. DK leader Veeramani slogged for making the film a reality. The actor Sathyaraj acted for free in this landmark film," is how he will be praised. So, maybe Sathyaraj should pay something for that now!"

This made the audience and Sathyaraj laugh in merriment.

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