“Vetrimaaran didn’t change Soori; he changed the way audiences look at him!” – Lyricist Madhan Karky
“Shooting with 70 rats; Director Ram’s world is truly unique!” – Actor Soori
“Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai is my comeback to Tamil cinema!” – Actor Nivin Pauly
“The Ram–Yuvan combination has always been magical!” – Actress Anjali
“Nivin Pauly’s acting technique is truly extraordinary” – Director Parthiban
“I heard this story only because it was Ram’s film” – Producer Suresh Kamatchi
Produced by Suresh Kamatchi under the banner of V House Productions, Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai is the latest offering from acclaimed filmmaker Ram, whose films have consistently connected with audiences through deeply emotional and thought-provoking storytelling.
After a brief gap, Malayalam star Nivin Pauly returns to Tamil cinema as the lead, with a role that marks his reunion with the Tamil film industry. Soori, who has increasingly taken on substantial and challenging lead roles, plays another pivotal character alongside Nivin Pauly, while Anjali plays the female lead. Interestingly, a rat also plays a significant character in the film.
Featuring music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, who has been an integral part of director Ram’s cinematic journey and has continually brought his films alive through evocative music, Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai is set to release worldwide in theatres on October 1.
The film’s pre-release event was held at the MGR Film Institute campus in Taramani, Chennai, in the presence of the film’s cast and crew, along with several prominent personalities from the film industry.
Producer Suresh Kamatchi said:
“I have always had a great liking for certain filmmakers because of my personal taste in cinema. I met director Ram when Tharamani was being made. At that point, I had a hesitation within me — perhaps I had not yet grown enough as a producer to make a film with a filmmaker like Ram.
Around that time, I heard some people mockingly say, ‘You are only a small producer, aren’t you?’ Actor Simbu came forward on his own, gave me his dates and said, ‘Produce my film.’ Venkat Prabhu directed that film, and that is one of the reasons I am standing before you today.
Around the same period, a story came to me from Ram. I decided to make use of the opportunity that had come looking for me. That film became Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai.
S. J. Suryah and I were the ones who initially heard the story. While I liked the script, my desire to work with director Ram was even stronger. There were even rumours that I had no money and would not be able to make the film. I told Ram, ‘Anna, I have made ten films so far, and not once has a shoot stopped because there was no money on the set. I start a film only after making sure I have the resources to complete it.’
When I heard that Nivin Pauly was going to play the lead, I was extremely happy. I have been a fan of his since Premam. Then Soori came on board. When it came to the heroine, there was no need for a long discussion. We called Anjali, and she agreed almost immediately.
And because this was a Ram film, we were also fortunate to have the little Isaignani, Yuvan Shankar Raja, on board.
Director Ram continues to work on this film right up to the final stage. I would be happy to work with him on as many films as possible.
The film has been acquired by Aazhi Pictures and will be released through Sakthi Film Factory. In Kerala, Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films will be releasing the film. In Telugu, it will be released by Subba Reddy’s Color and Colors, while DD Entertainments will release it in Karnataka. Triple M Productions will be handling the overseas release.”
Lyricist Madhan Karky said:
“Whenever I step onto a stage where director Ram is present, I always carry a certain sense of guilt, because it reminds me that Muthukumar sir is no longer here. I have always loved the songs that came from the combination of those two.
I really admire Nivin Pauly’s effortless style of acting. And Soori absolutely stunned me in Viduthalai.
People often say that Vetrimaaran sir changed Soori. But I don’t think that is what happened. He didn’t change Soori; he changed the way all of us look at Soori. The character did not change — our perspective as viewers changed. That is what Vetrimaaran achieved.
What I particularly love about Ram sir’s films is the way he celebrates nature. He finds different ways to celebrate the five elements, and that quality is something I deeply admire.”
Music Composer Santhosh Dhayanidhi said:
“This is an extremely special stage for me. I am a huge fan of Yuvan Shankar Raja. In fact, when I first bought a keyboard and started practising, I used Yuvan sir’s songs. Later, when I began studying music production, I learnt by analysing his songs one by one.
Every Yuvan song has a certain depth, love and soul. Nobody knows where that comes from — only Yuvan knows. I am still following and learning from him.
During Mariyaan, Yuvan sir came to A.R. Rahman’s studio to sing a song. At that time, I was the last assistant there. I desperately wanted to watch Yuvan sing and asked Rahman sir if I could come inside, but I was told that I couldn’t.
Today, sitting on the same stage alongside Yuvan sir is something I simply cannot put into words.”
Lyricist Madhi Pugazhenthi said:
“This is my first time on a stage like this. I came through the Agaram Foundation and initially joined director Ram as an assistant. Today, writing a song for his film itself is a huge honour for me.
Working with composer Santhosh on the song was a very comfortable and simple experience. We were able to discuss many things, seek his inputs and write the song accordingly.”
Director Parthiban said:
“Greetings to all the cinema lovers, fans and members of the press gathered here.
Soori is a perfect example of how far a young person can rise. His journey is not the journey of an ordinary actor; it is the result of tremendous hard work.
For director Ram, there is nothing beyond cinema. He is a magician in the world of filmmaking. He is affectionate, uncompromising and relentless when it comes to making good cinema. His films have always carried an extraordinary elegance.
In every film, Ram’s anger and his distinctive style emerge as the first hero. That is why his impact continues to grow with every passing day.
Nivin Pauly’s acting technique is so unique that one could almost call it ‘Nivin Pauly Polytechnic!’ There is a beautiful quality of ‘not acting’ in his performances.
Soori may be extremely busy, but the way he immediately responds to appreciation through long voice messages is a wonderful quality. That nature will take him to even greater heights.
I am someone who deeply wishes I could work with Yuvan Shankar Raja. His voice is even more haunting than his music. It is the kind of voice you want to listen to when you have experienced heartbreak.
When I watched the trailer, there was a sense of mystery about where the story was heading. That mystery is one of the strengths of a filmmaker.
I wish Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai tremendous success, and I personally want to watch it on the very first day, first show!”
Director Vetrimaaran said:
“When I was with Balu Mahendra sir, one day he spoke to me with great emotion and said, ‘There is a man who tells stories beautifully.’ I had never seen him speak with that kind of emotion for a long time. That person was director Ram.
Whenever I watch certain people narrate stories, I sometimes feel, ‘Why can’t I tell a story like that?’ Ram is one of those filmmakers. The other is my senior, Thangavelan.
From Katradhu Thamizh, Peranbu and Thanga Meengal to Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai, Ram has continuously expanded himself both as a person and as a filmmaker. His stories have evolved along with him. They keep changing, little by little.
For Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai, he has rearranged many elements and simplified the storytelling in a way that makes it accessible to audiences, while ensuring that the emotion reaches the viewer directly.
I believe one of the film’s most distinctive aspects is the way the sound of human beings and the sound of another living creature exist together almost as one.”
Actress Anjali said:
“For everyone, there are certain films that feel larger than life, and we often wonder what it would be like to be part of something like that. For me, Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai has been that kind of experience.
I have a substantial role in this film, and I am extremely happy that it has come across so strongly that everyone is appreciating it.
Nivin Pauly is a wonderful co-star. The moment he came to the set every day, there was a new challenge for me. I am not someone who plans exactly how I am going to react to another actor. But Nivin would come up with these tiny expressions and completely transform the scene.
That pushed me to bring something of my own every time. It became a very healthy competition between us. More importantly, I was able to establish a comfort zone with Nivin right from the first day.
I have known Soori for many years. I remember shooting in Courtallam once, where there was only one treadmill. Both Soori and I wanted to work out, so we would take turns running on that one treadmill. It was quite funny. We would also go outside and play cricket. Those memories are coming back to me now.
Knowing the kind of person Soori is, I feel he truly deserves everything he has achieved today. His success feels very personal to me, and I wish him even more success in the future.
And I don’t think I need to say much about the rat in this film — it is also one of our co-stars. Thank you, rat!
Yuvan is not only one of my favourite music directors, but also one of my favourite singers. The song ‘Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai’ is my favourite from the film.
After Katradhu Thamizh, when I heard Yuvan’s music again in ‘Paravaye Engirukkirai’, I experienced a certain feeling. I got that same vibe from this song.
The Ram–Yuvan combination has always been magical.
I would also like to thank producer Suresh Kamatchi sir. To make a film like this, you need to have a certain taste and, more importantly, the desire to make something different. Because he had that desire, we were able to be part of this film. I hope he continues to choose and produce many more films like this.
I have spoken about Ram sir on many platforms, but I have seen him in many different roles in my life — as a well-wisher, a mentor and even like a father.
Everyone knows how close Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai is to Ram sir’s heart. I am extremely grateful to him for writing my character so beautifully.
It has now been 20 years since I entered cinema, and many people have been wishing me on ‘20 Years of Anjali’.”
Actor Soori said:
“Thank you to everyone.
I have been celebrating the success of Mandadi by cutting a cake every day! Ever since the film released, it has been a great source of pride and happiness for me.
I thank the directors who gave me such opportunities, the media friends here and all my fans. I never take success or the opportunities you give me for granted. I bow my head to the love and respect you have given me, set them aside with gratitude, and immediately move on to my next piece of work. You continue to push me forward.
I always had a dream of working with important filmmakers like Vetrimaaran, Ram, Bala and Mysskin. I got an opportunity with Vetrimaaran anna, and I believe we have already begun shooting that film.
Around that time, Arun Viswa introduced me to Ram anna. He told me, ‘There is a character like this in the film. Will you do it?’ The fact that he trusted me made me very happy, but I was also a little nervous.
I had heard people say, ‘Ram anna’s territory is a risky one.’ But only after I went there did I realise that there could not be a better place for me.
He didn’t speak to me like a director. He started talking to me normally and casually, and that gave me tremendous confidence.
He kept telling me that comedy is not an ordinary thing — it is extremely difficult. The more he spoke, the more courage I gained. That is how I entered this film.
When I told Vetrimaaran about it, he said, ‘Go ahead. In our film, you have learnt something new. If you go there, you will learn something completely different, and that will help you tremendously.’
I was eagerly waiting to go shooting with Ram anna.
When they first took me to the location, there was a huge train set, with the five elements surrounding it — and around 70 rats as well! That was where we shot.
The funniest part was that I only started delivering my dialogue after Ram anna had explained everything to me.
He would say, ‘First action — rain. Second action — train. Third action — wind coming through the window. Fourth action — trolley. Fifth action — wind blowing. Sixth action — thunder. Lightning comes…’
I would ask, ‘Anna, when is my action coming?’
He would say, ‘Wait, this is the order. Stay exactly where you are.’
Then came the ninth action — and that wasn’t even for me. It was for the rats!
The tenth action was finally for us!
The entire shoot was like that — fun, unusual and completely different.”
Actor Nivin Pauly said:
“I am extremely happy. The Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai journey has been wonderful.
Whenever a success like this comes, it feels great. But cinema also reminds us that we have to keep committing ourselves to good work because audiences continue to give us so much love.
That love comes from the audience, and it makes me feel that I should continue making good films for them.
It has been a long time since I heard the word ‘comeback’, and now my name is also being associated with it — ‘Nivin Pauly’s comeback’.
Personally, I feel every film is an attempt to make a comeback. So let this film also be my comeback to Tamil cinema.”
Director Ram said:
“Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai arrives on October 1.
If I have to describe the film in a single line, it is this — whether it is a rat, an elephant, a tree or even a blade of grass, everything is life. That is what the film is about.
A week ago, I watched Katradhu Thamizh. It made me wonder whether we are still the same people we were back then. So much has changed. But I feel that I am still the same.
When I made Katradhu Thamizh, Muthukumar was the one who took me to Yuvan Shankar Raja. I had not even narrated the story for 30 minutes when Yuvan said he would do the film. That friendship began that day.
For me, if Yuvan says no, only then can I look elsewhere for music. He is doing my next film as well.
At the same time, our relationship is not merely that of a director and a music composer. Ours is a friendship between two well-wishers.
During Parandhu Po, a situation suddenly turned into a song — Song 22. But Yuvan was in Dubai. He told me, ‘Our friend Santhosh Dhayanidhi is there. Get him to do it. I will support you.’
Similarly, with Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai, we had completed everything almost a year ago. But I completely changed the order and structure of the film. By the time I went back to the music, Yuvan was busy with his concert commitments, while we had to deliver the film for OTT.
Even then, he simply told me, ‘Go to Santhosh. He will do it perfectly.’
To have the confidence to give another composer an opportunity within your own film, and to have that kind of affection and trust towards me — that is something Yuvan has.”
