James Vasanthan’s musical ‘Vaanavil Vaazhkai’

Music composer James Vasanthan realised a long treasured dream with the making of his musical directorial debut in Tamil, Vaanavil Vaazhakai. It’s a first in Tamil cinema, where the actors both perform and sing.

This college campus story centres around inter-collegiate cultural events, and the camaraderie and rivalry that goes along with it.

The eleven leading cast members are all newcomers. Noted Carnatic singer S. Sowmya is making her acting debut with this film. She plays the mother of Janani Rajan, a new face and one of the leads. Janani is also a trained Carnatic singer.

Another newcomer is Jose Selvaraj, a third year engineering student and percussionist who plays a drummer in the movie. Selvaraj has completed his Grade 5 in percussions from the Royal College of Music, London. Jithin Raj, an engineering graduate, vocalist and guitarist is also being introduced into films. Vaanavil Vazhakari is touted as a feel-good entertainer.

“The story is about life inside a city college campus,” said Vasanthan who took six months to write the script.

Vasanthan, who shot to fame with Sasi Kumar’s Subramaniapuram, (remember the number Kangal Irandal?) has also composed the music. There are seventeen tracks in the album.

“In our industry, we usually have a set of beautiful songs in a film and call it a musical. But in the West, a musical is a production in which the lead actors sing and act all by themselves,” said Vasanthan whose started his musical journey singing in the church choir while in school.

An Ilayaraja fan, Vasanthan was part of the college music group during his University days while pursuing a Masters in English Literature. His musical team won the Best Team award at the All India Cultural Meet and subsequently were sent to Moscow to perform at the inauguration of the Festival of India in 1987.

Vaanavil Vaazhakai is not only a walk down memory lane for Vasanthan but will possibly take viewers to their youth. R.K. Prathap is the cinematographer.

Produced by Oceanaa AJR Cine Arts, Vaanavil Vaazhakai releases in India on February 20.