Phenomenal Success of Thangalaan
Producer KE Gnanavel Raja has expressed his delight over the phenomenal success of Thangalaan, a period action film starring Chiyaan Vikram, which has achieved the highest opening in the actor’s career. Directed by Pa Ranjith, the film was released on the 15th of this month and has received a blockbuster response, particularly in the Telugu market.
Unprecedented Box Office Performance
Produced by KE Gnanavel Raja under the banner of Studio Green Films, in association with Neelam Productions, Thangalaan features Chiyaan Vikram in the lead role, with Parvathy Thiruvothu and Malavika Mohanan as the leading actresses. Reflecting on the film’s success, Raja emphasized that Thangalaan has reaffirmed the belief that audiences will always appreciate a well-made movie.
In a recent interview, Raja shared insights into the film’s exceptional performance. He noted that the film has exceeded expectations, particularly in the Telugu-speaking regions, where the box office collections have doubled the initial forecasts. The response from both urban and rural centers has been overwhelming, making it the highest-grossing opening in Vikram’s career. Raja expressed hope that Thangalaan will eventually cross the ₹200 crore mark.
Promotional Activities and Broader Release Plans
To further engage with audiences, the team is planning a series of theatrical visits. Vikram is actively involved in promoting the film in key cities like Vijayawada and Hyderabad. Raja also mentioned the simultaneous release of Demonte Colony 2 in Tamil, which is performing well alongside Thangalaan. He extended his best wishes to all the other films that released on the 15th in Telugu and expressed satisfaction that more theaters are being added for Thangalaan, even as three major films were released in Hindi. Raja revealed that the movie would soon be released in other languages by the end of the month.
Behind the Scenes: Trust in the Creative Process
Speaking about his journey as a producer, Raja highlighted the unique nature of Thangalaan and the trust he places in directors and their scripts. He shared his long-standing desire to work with Chiyaan Vikram, which was finally fulfilled with Thangalaan. After the film’s success, Raja sent a bouquet to Vikram’s house, and the actor personally called him to discuss the impressive box office collections.
Raja reminisced about the challenges of producing Thangalaan, which required years of effort. He drew parallels with Paruthiveeran, another period film produced by Studio Green. He praised Pa Ranjith for his meticulous handling of the script and commended Vikram for his dedicated performance, noting that both the director and actor were deeply invested in their roles. Raja also mentioned that his involvement on set was minimal, as he trusted Pa Ranjith and his team entirely, visiting the set only four times during the 108 days of shooting.
Themes and Performances in Thangalaan
Raja also reflected on the themes of the movie, particularly how Ranjith created Malavika Mohanan’s character, Aarti, around the concept of karma and faith. He spoke about his approach to filmmaking, which is rooted in trusting the audience’s taste and being flexible with budgets, especially for films as unique as Thangalaan and the upcoming Kanguva. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of budgeting such films, where the final product dictates the necessary investment.
He also highlighted the natural performances delivered by the cast, including Vikram, Parvathy, Malavika, and Pashupati, who fully embodied their characters. Despite the physical demands of the shoot, where several actors sustained injuries, the team accommodated their needs and adjusted the schedule accordingly.
Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Trends
Raja touched on the trailer for Kanguva, which has received a tremendous response, and announced that a new trailer would be released soon. He observed that more grounded films are becoming increasingly popular, citing the pan-India success of Kantara and the unexpected hits like Rangasthalam and Pushpa as examples of changing trends. While his company also produces commercial films, Raja emphasized that they would continue to do so if they secure projects with star heroes in Telugu.
Industry Reflections
Finally, Raja expressed his belief in speaking the truth, even if it sometimes leads to controversy. He shared his honest thoughts on the industry and extended his congratulations to the winners of the National Awards, including those associated with Ponniyin Selvan.
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