National award-winner Thambi Ramaiah, one of the busiest actors in Tamil cinema, says that he had never knocked at the door of any filmmaker or producer for his son Umapathy’s debut.
“For that matter, it took 24 years for me to reach this stage and throughout my struggle I have never asked anyone for a chance. I am proud to say that Umapathy developed his own talents and is getting launched now with Adhaga Pattadhu Maha Janangale,” the actor reveals.
He adds, “People tell me that given my present stature, I could have easily launched my son through a big director. Instead I took the opinions of my close friends Samuthirakani and Prabhu Solomon — and narrated the storyline of APMJ to them. The only person whom I obliged was composer Imman, who has given some excellent numbers in the film.”
APMJ, which is touted to be a comedy thriller, is directed by Inbashekar, who has worked with Santhanam in Inimey Ippadithaan. For his role, Umapathy underwent training in all aspects including dance and fights to become a hero.
“I essay a guitarist named Anand, who is innocent and believes in everyone. Karunakaran plays my best friend. In the initial days of shooting, I had what one calls ‘starting trouble’... but Pandiyarajan sir and Manobala sir made me comfortable,” the actor reveals. Reshma Rathore, who has acted in Telugu and Malayalam, is debuting as Umapathy’s pair.
On the title, Inbashekar says, “I wanted a familiar title which also conveys comedy. This term ‘Adhagapattadhu Maha Janangale’ is something that we come across often. The intriguing factor is justified towards the climax.”
