Being next to Raja sir was my proudest moment: Vijay Sethupathi

At the audio launch of his production venture Merkku Thodarchi Malai, Vijay Sethupathi said, “By having maestro Ilaiyaraaja sir on board for my film, I am sure my name will go down in the history of Tamil cinema.”

The movie, which has made its successful rounds around global film festivals including the New York Indian International Fest, has Antony, a longtime acquaintance of Sethupathi’s, and Gayathri of Joker fame in the lead roles. Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja’s soul stirring is touted to be the highlight of Merkku… which is directed by Lenin Bharathy.

The Aandavan Kattalai star who was excited and brimming with energy, said, “Lenin sir whom I know from Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu days (where I played a small role), is a soft-spoken person who never raises his voice at work. In 2012, he narrated a story to me. I didn’t have money then. So, I told him, I would make the film when I make it big in the industry. In fact, I didn’t even listen to the story, for I have immense confidence in him. He started doing his preparation and finally, it took off much later.”

“Today, I am sitting next to Raja sir! (addressing press personnel) I hope you have all taken pictures of me seated next to the legend, which will get published in newspapers. It is one of my proudest moments.”