YOUNG and energetic director Karthik Shamalan has impressed many local fans with some thought provoking dramas and certainly has etched a name in the local scene with the hit movie 'C4Cinta'.
The locally made and produced movie, has set a new benchmark in Malaysian Tamil cinema, grossing RM2.5 million since it was launched in November in Malaysia and Singapore, making it the highest-grossing Tamil movie in Malaysia.
The film, co-produced by SCIFILM and AVLT Production and distributed by Poketplay Films, has captivated audiences with its fresh narrative and heartfelt exploration of love and relationships.
Featuring a talented cast including Yuvaraj Krishnasamy, Pashini Sivakumar, Ravin Rao Santheran, Vijay Naidu, Dishaaleny, Loga Varman and other talented stars, C4Cinta has been praised for its innovative storytelling and high production value. The movie, released nationwide on Nov 21, also boasts a captivating musical score by Shamesan Mani Maran.
In an exclusive interview with The Star, the young director said he was incredibly humbled with the success of the movie and it gives him more enthusiasm to make more first class ventures in the local Tamil movie scene.
"This is indeed a magical moment," said Karthik during the interview.
"But the message from local fans is also clear. If there is a venture that gives good crisp movieline, good acting and solid storyline, then we are sure to get the support. There was plenty of hard work from my team in doing this movie, and it is definitely a pleasant gift for all of us with the success of this movie."
The rising star of Tamil movie scene in Malaysia, however, is not a new face in theindustry. He has already made headlines in recent times.
in 2018, his third feature film, the Tamil-language 'Sughamaai Subbulakshmi' had also won major awards including best director and best actress titles at the ninth Norway Tamil Film Festival in 2018.
The series that he directed for Astro Vinmeen HD, 'Kalyaanam 2 Kaathal' in 2020 became a big hit and it already ventured into its second season a year later.
Then last year, his fantasy movie 'Adai Mazhai Kaalam' also won many admirers. It also won him the Best Emerging Director award the Toronto Tamil Film Festival awards.
Then came C4Cinta and that hit the ground running. Many local cinemagoers are impressed with the storyline and fresh out take in romance genre.
The film has received tremendous positive reviews and accolades from both media and audiences, who have praised its gripping narrative, vibrant performances, and stunning visuals
“This milestone is significant for the Malaysian Tamil film industry, which has faced challenges in gaining mainstream recognition in recent years. The record-breaking success of C4Cinta is seen as a testament to the potential of local Tamil cinema to thrive not only domestically but also on the global stage,” distributor Poketplay Films said in a statement to the media.
It said the overwhelming response reflects the growing demand for diverse, high-quality content in Malaysia's film industry.
“C4Cinta is a proud moment for the Malaysian Tamil cinema community and a celebration of local talent,” it added.
Karthik added that the movie's success will also push him further to make better movies and dramas for local fans.
"I know I have set a bar and now I must achieve better in order to beat that mark," said the 38-year-old Karthik. "I am working on several projects and I hope too achieve better results."
Karthik is now working on two projects that he hopes will be better than his current successes. The first one is a thriller which the young director said he will name the title later.
"I really hope to get fans attention with this venture. I do hope the fans will accept the movie well," said Karthik. "The next project is also a C4Cinta sequel. I'm really excited about that venture."
And many fans will now be eagerly waiting for these movies and Malaysian fans will definitely be rooting for this young groundbreaking director and hope for more swashbuckling efforts.
A BACKGROUNDER
Director : KARTHIK SHAAMALAN
The Cast : YUVARAJ KRISHNASAMY, PASHINI SIVAKUMAR, RAVIN RAO SANTHERAN, LOGA VARMAN, DISHAALENY JACK, VIJAY NAIDU, TIVAGARAN KALIAPPAN, SANTHEINI CHANDRA BOS, VHYSHANTINY JACK, MOHANA RAJ, THIVYAH VEGAN JOHN, KALAI MAAMANI KS MANIAM
Produced By : SCIFILM SDN BHD
In Association with : AVLT PRODUCTION
Distributed by : POKETPLAY FILMS
Produced, Written & Directed By : KARTHIK SHAAMALAN
Music By : SHAMESHAN MANI MARAN CINEMATOGRAPHY BY : THINESH KUMAR (TK)
Digital Partner : PU4LYF ENTERTAINMENT
