A man with a message

Actor Cheran tries to demystify the institution of marriage with his latest offering Thirumanam – Sila Thiruthangaludan'', writes Manigandan K R

It is not without reason that actor- director Cheran has earned the reputation of being Tamil cinema’s ‘most respected’ and ‘dearly loved’ filmmakers.

The National-award winner has won hearts across regions with his immensely enjoyable films, which invariably mirror real life and stress on social and family values.

Considered to be a trend-setter not just in Tamil cinema but also Indian cinema, Cheran has a reputation for making films that are socially responsible. No wonder then that most of his films like Autograph or Thavamai Thavamirundhu have been huge hits across regions. His films have been remade in other languages and have received the same love and success that they have received in Tamil.

Back after a short self-imposed hiatus due to financial constraints, Cheran’s next film, Thirumanam – Sila Thiruthangaludan (wedding, with some corrections) has piqued the interest of fans.

The film, which features actor Umapathy Ramaiah (son of National Award winning actor Thambi Ramaiah) and Kavya Suresh in lead roles, has Cheran playing the heroine’s brother. The film also has Sukanya and several established character artistes, including Thambi Ramaiah and M S Baskar in pivotal roles.

Thirumanam is about the problems that crop up between the bride’s family and the groom’s family during a wedding.

Every film of yours is very realistic. What inspired you to make this film?

There was no specific incident that inspired me to do this film. My observations over the past 25 years inspired me to come up with the script. Most families have problems that stem from misunderstandings leading to a rift in relationships. The screenplay of Thirumanam is loosely tethered on these observations.

Most of your films not only showcase problems but also suggest solutions to it. So, will ‘Thirumanam’ also offer solutions to marital problems?

As far as possible, we have tried to offer solutions. However, there isn’t a solution for everything. Also, much depends on how a situation is perceived by the viewer. Usually, we make mistakes and then learn from them. What we could alternatively do is learn from the experiences of several other people who have already been through such situations and therefore suggest changes to avoid problems in the first place. That is how we have approached the movie.

During the audio launch of the film, National Award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu observed that the institution of marriage would slowly cease to exist. How do you perceive it?

That was not his personal opinion. He observed that it was also an opinion that prevailed in society. There are divergent views about the institution of marriage as some believe that it has no relevance while others are exploring the option of live-in relationships. While there may be many doubts being raised, I believe that if the institution of marriage collapses, it will badly impact the society and also the future generation.

The trailer suggests that the film revolves around problems that erupt before and during a wedding…

This film can be enjoyed by both, those who are married and those who are about to get married. The movie can also be an eye-opener for couples.

When people watched Autograph, it reminded them of their unrequited love. When people watched Thavamai Thavamirundhu, it reminded them of being more responsible towards their parents and respect them. Thirumanam will remind people about their wedding and for those taking the plunge, it will merely hold up a mirror to society.