Stone Bench Films & Zee Studios South in association with Invenio Origin present, Hari directorial, Actor Vishal starrer ‘Rathnam’ press meet
Actor Vishal and director Hari, who previously collaborated on super hit movies ‘Thamirabharani’ and ‘Poojai’, have now come together for ‘Rathnam’. This high-voltage action flick is being produced by Stone Bench Films Kaarthekeyan Santhanam in association with Zee Studios South. Invenio Origin Alankar Pandian and Kalyan Subramaniam have co-produced this much awaited film. Fans can mark their calendars as ‘Rathnam’ is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 26, 2024. The entire team gathered to meet the press and media fraternity in Chennai Thursday evening, where they shared their experiences from working on this exciting project.
Producer Karthikeyan Santhanam said, “I had never imagined about getting a chance to produce a movie with Vishal sir as hero and Hari sir as director. Vishal was the one who recommended Hari as director for this project. It’s a blessing for me to work with these icons. It’s a team work made with complete joy and satisfaction. I thank my brother-in-law Karthik Subbaraj and my family for this opportunity.”
Invenio Origin’s Alankar Pandian said,
“It’s a honour to be collaborating with Stone Bench for the second time after ‘Jigarthanda Double X’. Vishal-Hari combination has been my favourite and it’s a privilege to be a part of this project. Just like every fan, I am looking forward to the grand success of this film, and we at Zee Studios extend our gratitude to everyone involved.”
Zee Studios’ Vinod C J said,
Vishal is my friend of 6 years, we were talking about doing a film, and only then he introduced Hari sir. I am a big fan of Hari Sir films. It was a great pleasure to join such a successful partnership. Working with Stonebench Films and Invenio Origin has been a pleasure. Fans will surely celebrate this film. Thanks to everyone.
Cinematographer Sukumar said, “Hari sir has put in an unprecedented amount of effort on this film. We accomplished a remarkable stunt scene in one go. Vishal sir, with his unwavering enthusiasm, consistently delivers outstanding performances regardless of the number of takes. After Vijay sir, Vishal sir exudes an incredible amount of energy. Without doubt, the film will be well-received by all. Thank you for your support.”
Stunt Master Kanal Kannan said, “I had the privilege of working with Hari sir for the first time in ‘Poojai’ and now this marks our third collaboration. Similarly, my initial project with Vishal was ‘Sandakozhi’, and his energy remains unchanged even today. In this film, we were challenged with an action scene that had to be captured in a single shot. To achieve this, we dedicated an entire day to rehearsals and put in immense effort to bring it to life. Hari sir’s movies have always been sensational, and I believe this particular film will surpass any other in terms of its impact.”
Choreographer Dinesh said, “Ever since Hari sir’s ‘Saamy’, I have had a strong desire to be a part of his projects, and it is truly wonderful to have the opportunity to work with him in multiple films. His work pace is truly remarkable, and it has remained unaffected even after years of relentless dedication. I have closely observed Vishal sir’s growth since his debut film ‘Chellamey’, and I hold a great admiration for him. I have known Devi Sri Prasad sir since my school days and have collaborated with him on numerous Telugu movies. The experience of working on ‘Rathnam’ has been quite comfortable, and I sincerely hope that everyone will thoroughly enjoy this movie.”
Meena of PVR said, “Vishal is always truthful. He always stands up for others and it is a joy to be here for him. It is a pleasure to participate in this event.”
Actor Samuthirakani said, “This film holds a special place in my heart. Hari and Vishal are truly remarkable individuals. I have gained invaluable knowledge from Hari Anna – Dedication, perseverance, unwavering determination. Vishal is akin to a brother to me. Hari’s directorial craftsmanship leaves a lasting impression on me. Hari Anna and I attended the same school. He has imparted a great deal of wisdom to me. Vishal will be collaborating with me on a project, and if it comes to fruition, it will undoubtedly achieve great success. ‘Rathnam’ will be adored by all and will captivate audiences with its fast-paced narration.”
Music Director Devi Sri Prasad said, “My earnest thanks to ‘Rathnam’ team. I thank everyone for their wishes on my National award. I have worked with Hari sir in many movies starting from ‘Aaru’. A film entirely banks on the shoulders of a director, and we all work by his vision. Hari sir is like a family to me, and it resonates with our songs. ‘Rathnam’ will be different from his previous movies. There is a strong emotion in this movie. I am working with Vishal sir for a long time. It’s delighting to work with him again, that too in a movie by Hari sir. Samuthirakani sir has done a terrific job, and Stone Bench Karthi is a good-hearted person. There is a single shot action sequence in this movie, which left me awestruck. This will perhaps be the lengthiest single shot action sequence that anyone would have seen till now. I had a great time as a composer. Hari sir’s thought process is truly remarkable. This particular scene is my absolute favorite in his film. Vishal sir has contributed well. Priya Bhavani Shankar’s performance in this movie is commendable. This film will become a favorite among many.”
Producer G Dhananjayan said, “Hari sir, who has delivered remarkable blockbuster hits in Tamil cinema, has presented an exceptionally well-crafted trailer for his upcoming film. It is evident that this film is bound to be a phenomenal success. Recently, Vishal sir gave an interview that has now become viral. In his interview, he mentioned that the film may encounter some challenges, but it will undoubtedly be a tremendous hit. I kindly request Vishal sir to consider a Rs 300 crore mark film after the Rs 100 crore mark with ‘Mark Antony,’ without any intentions on politics. This is merely a humble request. Unfortunately, Tamil cinema has not witnessed a hit film recently. I extend my best wishes to ‘Rathnam’ to break that streak and become a resounding success at the box office.”
Producer Kathiresan said, “‘Thamirabharani’ and ‘Poojai’ achieved great success, and I handled the area distribution for both films. Bringing back that successful partnership in the film industry is truly rewarding. Vishal, despite his many physical scars, puts in a lot of effort. Let’s hope for a major success for this movie.”
Director Hari said, “This is my seventeenth film and the third movie I have worked on with Vishal. It was Vishal who introduced producer Karthi to me. Interestingly, Karthik Subbaraj was also a part of that company, and it was a unique experience to work with a company involving a director. ‘Rathnam’ will consist of 60% action and 40% commercial elements, which will surely appeal to today’s audience. Vishal is not only skilled in action sequences but also exceptional at emoting. All the artistes involved in this film have done an outstanding job. I would like to highlight a particular scene, which was shot in a single take. In this scene, we successfully executed eight sequences and four stunts. I always strive to bring a sense of reality to all the action sequences, and we have achieved a great impact in this particular scene. The action sequence was performed by Vishal sir and Priya Bhavani Shankar across four different locations, covering a stretch of 3.5 kilometers in a single shot. Many people believed that it would be an impossible feat, but the team has done a remarkable job. We dedicated an entire day to rehearse this scene, and it was successfully accomplished on the third take. We have created this film with the audience in mind, and we believe that everyone will enjoy it. Thank you.”
Actor Yogi Babu said, “It is a heartwarming and delightful experience to witness my AV from the days of Lollu Sabha. During my collaboration with Hari sir in ‘Yaanai’, I would frequently inquire about his films and working approach. He consistently emphasized that hard work is the key to success. He has diligently adhered to this principle. I sincerely hope and pray that he continues to create more remarkable movies. Vishal sir is truly a great individual, and his character has remained unchanged throughout the years. Devi Sri Prasad sir has always showered me with immense love and affection. Samuthirakani sir has consistently wished for my well-being. Working on this film has been an incredible experience. I am confident that everyone will thoroughly enjoy it.”
Actor Vishal said, “I am grateful to you all and my friends for giving me this platform over the course of two decades. Your efforts have made this journey possible. ‘Rathnam’ will be released on April 26th. Tomorrow holds great significance as it is a crucial day for voting. If necessary, a film’s release can be postponed to next Friday, but the importance of voting cannot be undermined. ‘Mark Antony’ has opened a new door for me to the 100 crore club, and it has also brought success to director Adhik Ravichandran. As Hari sir emphasizes, we must pay attention to what others say about us, whether it is positive or negative. In my household, my father would always collect newspaper clippings whenever my name appeared. My mother is a devoted fan of Hari sir. After ‘Mark Antony’, when people expressed concerns about not seeing the old Vishal, I called Hari and proposed the idea, to which he responded with great enthusiasm. Everyone is eagerly anticipating our third film. The story he shared was a delightful surprise that I never expected, and I immediately agreed to do it. Stone Bench Productions and Zee Studios have contributed their Midas-Touch to this project. Everything has been going smoothly. Hari sir always prioritizes the hero and also ensures that each film includes a significant female character. This is a good quality. Samuthirakani is truly like a brother to me. He has narrated a story, and I am eagerly awaiting its transformation into a film. Yogi Babu is my closest friend, and I always feel at home with him. Sukumar has provided stunning visuals. Hari sir is synonymous with hard work. Whatever he says, you can trust and follow. It is unimaginable to conceive and visualize a single shot for five minutes, but he has accomplished it. Kanal Kannan is my beloved friend, and if I have endured a hundred stitches on my body, it is all because of him. I am eagerly awaiting the audience’s enjoyment of this movie next week.”
