Tamil actors Sivakarthikeyan and Santhanam have had similar career paths. Both began as television hosts and found a footing with their gift of the gab and flair for comedy. Both entered cinema as supporting actors — the sidekick of a star to bring in the chuckles with ready repartees. And, it did not take long them to take on lead roles. Today they are stars with large fan followings and their films are much awaited.
This week, Santhanam’s Sakka Podu Podu Raja and Sivakarthikeyan’s Vellaikaran gear up for release and the box office will witness a war of a different kind.
Vellaikaran directed by M. Raja (of Thani Oruvan fame) — as the title indicates — raises a toast to the worker in each one of us. Sivakarthikeyan plays the lead with Nayanthara paired opposite him.
Sivakarthikeyan said that this story is about the emotional journey of his character Arivu. He goes through three different looks for this role. Malayalam actor Fahad Faasil makes his Tamil cinema debut with Vellaikaran.
Director Raja added that his story addresses a social issue while entertaining viewers. The story is set in a slum neighbourhood and sets to resemble this were erected by art director Muthuraj.
“The entire set was around 7.5 acres in area with a canal going around the locality,” said Muthuraj.
The supporting cast includes Sneha, Robo Shankar, Prakash Raj, Rohini, RJ Balaji and Thambi Ramiah.
Actor Santhanam believes in keeping people happy.
His upcoming Tamil film Sakka Podu Podu Raja is the perfect recipe for that, said the leaner looking star who has transformed himself to play an action hero.
Directed by debutante G.L. Sethuraman, this fun film features Santhanam in the lead while Vaibhavi Shandila plays his love interest. The presence of comedians VTV Ganesh, Robo Shankar and Vivek promises that Sakka Podu Podu Raja will be a jolly entertainer.
The film releases in the UAE on December 21.
