Exclusive interview of Manickam Narayanan

Seventh Channel's Manickam Narayanan, the producer of Indralokathil Na Azhagappan says that his film receives overwhelming reception from the viewers all over the world. In an exclusive interview to oneindia.in, the producer defends his film, which has been savaged by the critics. Here is the detailed version of Narayanan's interview:

Are you satisfied with the end product of Indiralogathil Na Azhagappan?
Of course, I got the satisfaction of producing a good movie, which advocates for moral ethics to the society. INA is the film with different genre and the film has got overwhelming response from all over the globe. As a producer, I am fully satisfied with the performance of Vadivelu in this film.

The one line of the film is interesting. Do you feel that the script and filming should be more interesting?
I don't think so. The script and filming is very good and I'm very much satisfied with the presentation. Most of the viewers were expecting only comedy scenes in the film. But I don't like to give the film as bits and pieces of some poor comedy crackers. The entire media should have appreciated me for giving this kind of good film in these days. Instead of that, most of them cursed me and discouraged a lot through their harsh reviews. How many producers are ready to make a film with moral ethics? But media is always supporting people, who give films with violence and vulgarity. It is unfortunate and sad indeed!

INA has been at the receiving end of some harsh criticism in the media. Please comment...
I don't think this movie is such a bad version. I think it all started with some online media's harsh review of the film. Some English newspapers had also criticized it. Of course, I accepted the freedom of press to express their views freely on a film. But it should be on constructive basis. According to me, the English media has not understood the story of the film properly, as there are mistakes in the reviews in the story line of the film; either the reviewer has not understood good Tamil or has not seen the film to criticize it. There are certain portions in INA, where there are pure Tamil dialogues, which you people could not understand and that led to the flaw in the review. Anyway it is a democratic country; you are welcome to hold your views.

The main criticism is lack of comedy portions in the film with an actor known for his hilarious comedy...
I think that the media people have fixed in a state of mentality that one should take only a comedy film with Vadivelu. But I would like to prove this wrong. Vadivelu is an actor with versatile talents. INA is the film, which shows him in a different colour and the same, is getting good response from the people. Don't watch the film that it is a comedy flick. It is a different movie. Just watch it as Kamal or Vijay or some other hero's movie!

But the viewers always enter into the halls with a mind set to watch a typical Vadivelu film. Is there any mistake? Could you feel that you people forget to prepare them to watch a different movie from Vadivelu?
Yes… it is a valid point. Hereafter, I will promote the film in this angle too. I must prepare them to watch this as a general film.

What is the response to the film at the Box Office?
The opening was extraordinary and the same trend is going on till the 5th day. I'm getting similar reports from all over the world. The overseas viewers almost celebrate the film particularly in Gulf and Sri Lanka. The response and the feedback that I'm getting from our own state are fantastic. In Chennai, all shows till Monday night show have gone full at Sathyam cinemas. In AVM Rajeshwari, Albert, Mayajaal people are clapping and enjoying the film. At Archana, the biggest screen in Coimbatore, the Sunday night show, which normally registers a drop, has seen a houseful show, something that has not happened in recent times. The other screen Ragam registered a record collection of Rs. 2000 more in Monday than the previous day show! Have you heard this before? In places like Nagerkovil, Panruthi, Cuddalore, Pondicherry, the audiences are giving a standing ovation at the end to the film. In all these theatres, the police personnels were called in to control the crowd!

So, finally you are declaring that the film is a successful venture...
Yes… no doubt on this. Indiralogathil Azhagappan is a mega hit of the year and I will join with Vadivelu again for another film!