At the trailer launch, the actor-producer mentioned that he joined Vinothraj's 'Kottukkaali' without hearing the narration.
Published Aug 13, 2024 | 4:38 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 13, 2024 | 4:51 PM
Sivakarthikeyan, Anna Ben, and Soori at the 'Kottukkaali' trailer launch. (X)
The trailer for PS Vinothraj’s highly anticipated second film, Kottukkaali, starring Soori and Anna Ben, was released on Tuesday, 13 August.
At the trailer launch, producer Sivakarthikeyan expressed his desire to celebrate a storyteller like PS Vinothraj.
“Kottukkaali came about because I wanted to support him,” Sivakarthikeyan shared, adding that he joined Vinothraj’s project without hearing the narration.
“I told him not to narrate the script to avoid any discussions that might alter his vision. He provided the budget, and we proceeded with the film.”
Sivakarthikeyan said if Kottukkaali profits, his first move will be to give Vinothraj an advance for his next project. “If the film earns even more, I’ll look for more filmmakers like Vinothraj and support their visions.”
Though known as a commercial hero, Sivakarthikeyan supported unique and slightly offbeat projects like Kanaa (2018), Vaazhl (2021), and Kurangu Pedal (2024). It seems the actor is content in his role as a producer.
At the Kottukkaali trailer launch, Sivakarthikeyan also acknowledged that making money and ensuring a return on investment is crucial in cinema.
“However, the audience’s acceptance of me as an actor and star has managed the business side of my career. As long as I work sincerely, I’m confident I’ll keep earning as an actor,” he noted.
Regarding his reputation for discovering and promoting talent, Sivakarthikeyan said he wouldn’t claim to have identified or given opportunities to anybody.
“I’ve heard such praise for a long time and have grown accustomed to it. What I’m doing with my banner is simply introducing talent to the world, much like introducing a friend to someone new. I’ll continue to use my identity as an actor to bring out emerging talents.”
However, this statement did not sit well with Dhanush’s fans, who interpreted it as a dig at Dhanush, who reintroduced Sivakarthikeyan as a lead actor in his production Ethir Neechal (2013).
Old videos resurfaced of Dhanush making similar remarks about not wanting to claim credit for giving Sivakarthikeyan a bigger platform. Despite rumours of a fallout over the years, they maintained a cordial relationship, whether onstage or when discussing each other publicly.
“I have produced #Kottukkaali to celebrate director VinothRaj, i didn’t even hear the story🤝. If this film becomes Profit, I will introduce many new talents like him👏. This is my service to cinema, as you made me as a star🌟❤️”
– #Sivakarthikeyan pic.twitter.com/vZKIYhsgp1— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) August 13, 2024
Kottukkaali is filmmaker Vinothraj’s second feature. His critically acclaimed debut, Pebbles (Koozhangal), won the Tiger Award at the 2021 International Film Festival Rotterdam and was India’s official entry for the 94th Academy Awards.
Kottukkaali features cinematography by B Sakthivel and editing by Ganesh Siva. It is produced by Sivakarthikeyan Productions in association with The Little Wave Productions.
Premiering at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival and subsequently screened at the Transilvania International Film Festival, the Tamil movie is set to release in Indian theatres on 23 August.
The Kottukkaali trailer, set to the rhythm of a hen’s clucking, depicts Soori’s character and his friends taking Anna Ben’s character to an exorcist. As tensions rise, the drama addresses themes of misogyny, superstition, and complex human emotions.
The synopsis reads: “Two Indian families are arranging the marriage of their daughter Meena and son Pandi. The issue is that Meena is in love with someone else from a lower caste. The film begins after everything is settled, with Meena in a profound silence following her family’s will. Her family concludes that Meena must be possessed, and once she is exorcised, nothing will hinder their happiness.”
Sivakarthikeyan is also looking forward to his film Amaran, produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International. Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, it will be released this Diwali. Further, Sivakarthikeyan is busy with an untitled film, directed by AR Murugadoss.
Happy and proud to present the trailer of our #Kottukkaali – https://t.co/COHtLi7KCs
directed by the incredibly talented @PsVinothraj pic.twitter.com/rXQmT2PbOb
Releasing on August 23.#KottukkaaliFromAug23@sooriofficial #AnnaBen @KalaiArasu_ @SKProdOffl @sakthidreamer…
— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) August 13, 2024
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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