How divorce inspired ‘Raja Rani’

There are great expectations from a Murgadoss Production, and when it is supported by Fox Star Studios, naturally the curiosity grows. To begin with, there was a promotional teaser in the form of “an invite for the wedding of Arya and Nayanthara,” lead characters in the film, the Tamil-language Raja Rani.

Debutant director Atlee could not have had a better start in his career. With a stellar cast, Raja Rani features — besides Arya and Nayanthara — Jai, Nazriya Nazim, Sathyaraj, Santhanam and Sathyan.

Atlee, who learnt the ropes under director Shankar on the sets of Enthiran and Nanban, said: “This is a story of a newly married couple who are like Tom and Jerry after their wedding. This is about their relationship.”

Arya plays John, an automobile mechanic, while Nayan, in the role of his onscreen wife, is an IT professional.

Viewers will see a younger-looking Sathyaraj, who plays Nayan’s father.

“The spark for this story,” continued Atlee, an ardent admirer of Rajinikanth, “is the increasing number of divorces seen today. Stories of separation provided food for thought and egged me into writing this story.

“It called for intense emotions and my team of actors have rendered a brilliant performance. You will see a completely different Arya and Nayanthara in Raja Rani.”

“There is good humour too,” he promised.

Producer A.R. Murgadoss added: “I have full faith that Raja Rani will get a thumbs-up from the audience. I am proud of Atlee for directing this heart-warming story and of the actors for their terrific performances. Watch out for Jai’s performance — his versatility will bring him accolades.”

G.V. Prakash has scored the film’s music and in a first of its kind, the trailer of the film was released last month across twelve television channels at the same time, creating a TV roadblock, seen earlier with another Fox Star Production, Shah Rukh Khan’s My Name is Khan.

George C. Williams is the cinematographer. Catch Raja Rani, when it releases on Thursday.