The demand and commercial success of well-made socio political dramas are at its pinnacle in Tamil cinema right now. Directors in the industry are adeptly capitalizing on the trend. On that note Kollywood has witnessed two of its finest works released this week. Vaazhai under the direction of Mari Selvaraj with actors Kalaiyarasan and Nikhila Vimal in the lead roles. The other one is Kottukaali helmed by P S Vinoth Raj with actors Soori and Malayalam actress Anna Ben as leads. Many celebrities of Kollywood who have already watched the entertainers are heaping praise on both the films.
Story teller Lokesh Kanagaraj is one of them who wrote highly about the entertainers and expressed hope for Tamil cinema on his social media handle. Taking to his official X profile, filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj expressed, “Indeed, one of the golden moments of Tamil cinema for having two important and wonderfully crafted films Vaazhai and Kottukaali. My hearty wishes and thanks to both Vaazhai and Kottukaali cast and crew for their big success to come and step up our game. Mari Selvaraj brother, P S Vinoth Raj brother.” Here is the post made by the director.
https://x.com/Dir_Lokesh/status/1826598212792451464
In another tweet he wrote, “Kottukaali is one the most impactful and important stories that has come out recently in Tamil cinema. My hearty wishes to Soori bro and Anna Ben for their intense performances and P S Vinoth Raj for bringing it out of everyone to give us a wonderful film. Special thanks and wishes to Sivakarthikeyan brother, SK Productions for helming this project and bringing it forward to the audience.” Kottukkaali tells the tale of a woman from the upper community who loves a man from the lower community. Her family members who could not accept it, claims that she is possessed and prepares to cast out the spell. Vaazhai follows the lives of two kids hailing from marginalized backgrounds who are forced to lug plantains through a swamp land near a forest region.
Cast of Kottukaali also has actors Jawahar Sakthi, Poobalam Pragatheeswaran, Sai Abinaya, and Mullaiyarasi. Technical crew of Kottukaali has cinematographer B Sakthivel behind the camera. Editor Ganesh Siva has overseen the editing department. Art director K Kadhirr has erected sets. The movie is funded by actor Sivakarthikeyan under his home banner SK Productions in collaboration with Kalai Arasu of The Little Wave Productions.
The casting unit of Vaazhai includes actors M Ponvel, J Sathish Kumar, R Raghul, Dhivya Duraisamy, and Janaki portraying various supporting roles. Musician Santhosh Narayanan has composed music for the project. Cinematographer Theni Eswar has shouldered camera. Editor Suriya Pradhaman has trimmed the entertainer. Stunt director Dhilip Subbarayan has fashioned action moves. Art director Kumar Gangappan has designed the background for the flick. The drama is bankrolled by Divya Mari Selvaraj and Mari Selvaraj for their home label Farmer’s Master Plan Production in association with Navvi Studios, and Disney + Hotstar. Udhayanidhi Stalin has released the movie under his banner Red Giant Movies.
