For every Tamil cinema fan, Deepavali is not complete without watching the new releases that hit the screens on that very day. If a big star’s flick graces the screen on this day, it’s all the more fun for the fans of those actors. But for filmmakers, bringing out a Deepavali release is as painstaking as well as exciting!
The hardship starts right from locking the day for the film, amidst huge competition. On the other hand, films like Sivakasi (Deepavali, 2005) were planned well in advance to be released on the big day. And, who can ignore the word Thala Deepavali, which became a sensation after Ajith’s Attagasam hit the theaters! (Deepavali, 2004). Seasoned filmmakers, producers and actors speak about how special it is to see their films release on this day and about the work that goes behind it.
Perarasu, director
Right from my childhood, Deepavali predominantly meant watching new movies — more than sweets, new clothes and crackers! And back then, there used to be multiple releases unlike now — and I used to watch as many as three movies on that very day.
Once I turned director, I made sure that my films — based on the release days — would have some elements that would enhance that particular day’s feel.
When it comes to certain movies, we decide on the release date even before starting the project and Sivakasi was one such. So, once we zeroed in on the release date (Deepavali, 2005), I wanted to make sure that the film would create a festive atmosphere in the theatres too.
That’s the reason why we named the film Sivakasi in the first place, and had the title card along with crackers as special effects... as well as the Deepavali Deepavali song! As you know, it worked wonders — people who came to theatre had an extended festive feel, and that day turned out to be come one of the most memorable moments of my life.
Vaibhav, actor
I am still feeling extremely tensed about my film Meyaadha Maan, which is coming out today! I wouldn’t say that this film is especially made for this festival, but all I can promise is, it’s a romantic entertainer, which everyone can enjoy on this auspicious day.
If it had been just a normal release, the pressure wouldn’t be so much — but since it is also coming out along with another big film, the tension is sky-high! This is my first Deepavali release and I am really excited since it is also coming out with Vijay sir’s film, Mersal. I don’t mean it in a competitive sense, but I am enthralled to see my film getting released on the same day of his!
Every Deepavali, I make it a point to watch a film, which releases that day.
After bursting crackers, I will head to the film of some of my favourite actors. This time it is different, since my own movie is coming out and it is a different feeling altogether! I haven’t even bought crackers because of the excitement; I am just roaming around with the ‘release tension’.
SR Prabhu, producer
Deepavali is the day when we witness the most number of audiences turn up at theatres. So, undoubtedly, any film, which releases that day, irrespective of the content, will collect more than the films that release on the other days of an year.
Also, these days, even audiences want to spend for a big budget-film on Deepavali. So, the pressure is more for a big star’s film that releases on this day. Securing the date itself has become a big thing nowadays.
It is true that it has become a norm that only a big-budget film can come out on this day. It is also true that if more films come out, the profit will be shared and more producers will benefit. But at the end of the day, it is up to the theatre owners to decide — and they want a star’s film!
Saran, director
I would like to share with you all about a critical situation, which we faced before the release of Attagasam. We finished the talkie portions of the film well on time and only two songs were remaining (Pollachi Ilaneere and Nachu Endru). We shot these numbers in Romania and everything was going smoothly. But we faced a lot of big issues from there — we were supposed to reach Milan in Italy and come to Chennai from there. Unfortunately, there was some strike in that city and we knew we wouldn’t be able to board the flight. All the crew members were extremely upset because the Deepavali release was now in jeopardy.
But realising the situation, Ajith sir didn’t want to disappoint his fans and he quickly bought tickets for me and choreographer Kalyan to go back home in another flight, from Budapest. We reached safely and we started working on patching the two songs in the movie.
In the meantime, the rest of the crew and Ajith sir were stuck in Milan for four days and since everyone’s visas had expired, they had to spend all four days at the airport itself! Ajith sir, again, made sure that the crew was comfortable during that time. They finally came back and I told them the good news that the movie would indeed release on time!
Once the movie released, people loved it and the Thala Deepavali song especially worked amazingly well. Attagasam went on to become a blockbuster and also broke several records. I will never forget this day in my life!
