‘Maamannan’ audio launch: Five highlights from the music celebration of this upcoming Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi-starrer

The audio launch of Tamil film ‘Maamannan’ saw AR Rahman jamming with Vadivelu, and celebrities pondering over Udhayanidhi Stalin’s decision to quit movies to concentrate on politics

When it comes to unique actor combinations, upcoming Tamil film Maamannan is up there.

It has Vadivelu, Fahadh Faashil, Keerthy Suresh and Udhayanidhi Stalin in lead roles, names that Tamil cinema fans might have never envisioned in the same film.

This much-awaited film, directed by Mari Selvaraj and produced by Red Giant Movies, had a grand audio launch at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Thursday evening. Here are the top highlights from the star-studded affair that went on till the wee hours of Friday:

We all know Vadivelu the ace comedian. We all know that there’s a Vadivelu dialogue for every situation in life.

But, did we know how well Vadivelu can sing? Well, the Maamannan audio launch got together Vaigai Puyal (Vadivelu) and Isai Puyal (AR Rahman) on stage for a memorable performance. Armed with a harmonium, AR Rahman played his notes while Vadivelu enthralled audiences with a rendition of ‘Rasa Kannu’, a song that he has sung in the film. “The first time we met, he seemed a little nervous,” recalled Rahman, “I spoke about music composer MSV and the songs of Nagore Hanifa, and put him at ease.” Rahman went on to perform his latest track ‘Jigu Jigu Rail’ from the film that is slated to release on June 29.

Fans of Tamil cinema have always cheered for their superstars. But the Maamannan audio launch showcased a different side to fans; they cheered for the directors who had graced their occasion. From Pa Ranjith to Vetri Maaran, all filmmakers were greeted by loud cheers, something that even they were least expecting. SJ Suryah took notice and commented, “I loved the way how this crowd cheered for the directors.” Vetri Maaran added, “Tamil cinema fans are the most evolved audience.”

With the who’s who of Tamil cinema present in the audience, Kamal Haasan — the chief guest of the function — spoke extensively about the film, a special screening of which he has already seen. “This is a voice that needs to be heard. It’s not Mari’s politics, it is our politics. The success of Maamannan will determine the taste of Tamil audiences,” he said, adding that he and Ilaiyaraaja were among Vadivelu’s earliest fans. Kamal Haasan’s Thevar Magan (1992) was among the biggest inspirations for Maamannan, a fact that both Vadivelu and Mari Selvaraj attested to. “Idhu padam illa, idhu nejam (This is not a film. It is truth),” said Vadivelu, “The root of my performance in this is from what Kamal sir taught me in Thevar Magan.”