From ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ to ‘3’, cinemas transform into concert arenas as the trend of re-releasing films takes hold of Tamil cinema
In a dimly-lit theatre, sudden illumination revealed throngs of fans crowding the aisles. Chatter and hooting echoed as the film paused, replaying a song that had just ignited the audience into singing and dancing in the dark. With lights on, the scene unfolded: phones capturing the euphoria, friends swaying in nostalgia, women belting out tunes, and a couple exchanging coy glances. It was a jubilant celebration.
The song ‘Ava Enna’ (popularly known as ‘Anjala’) from actor Suriya’s 2008 film Vaaranam Aayiram, a kuththu number expressing heartbreak and despair, had compelled the audience to move. Plot intricacies momentarily faded as people rejoiced in their memories.
Director Gautham Vasudev Menon reflects, “When we crafted ‘Anjala,’ we envisioned a song that would get people dancing.” He recalls his collaboration with composer Harris Jayaraj, aiming for a folksy beat, particularly the saavu melam rhythm. Gautham is gratified that their experimentation resonated with audiences.
Vaaranam Aayiram joins a cadre of Tamil films like ‘3’, ‘Aalavandhan’, ‘Muthu’, ‘Baba’, ‘Siva Manasula Sakthi’, ‘Vallavan’, ‘Minnale’, ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa’, and ‘Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu’ in experiencing re-releases in the past year. Gautham, director of four of these films, is thrilled that audiences are revisiting his creations over 15 years later. He shares an anecdote: receiving a ticket request for ‘Vinnaithandi Varuvaaya’ just before the release of his acting venture ‘Leo’, underscoring the timeless appeal of their work. Achieving enduring relevance is every filmmaker’s aspiration.
