Cinema operator turns Tamil movie distributor

Local dancers performing at the launch of the Tamil movie in Kuala Lumpur.

TGV Cinemas is venturing into Tamil movie distribution in Malaysia and has teamed up with Astro’s Indian Language Business Content Group to release an action thriller – Tharkappu – in Malaysia this weekend.

TGV Pictures general manager Chung Shyh Kwong said Tharkappu would be the first Tamil movie to be distributed by the company in Malaysia.

“It is an excellent opportunity for us to distribute quality movies from India to satisfy the demand for Indian content in Malaysia. We always look for in-demand content to bring to the cinemas. It is our aim to provide the best cinema-going experience to moviegoers,” Chung said at the launch event.

Incidentally, the producer of the movie is a Malaysian company, Kinetoscope, which is helmed by Dr S. Selvamuthu.

A die-hard Tamil movie fan, Dr Selva-muthu said, “A good opportunity and a good story came about one and a half years ago. After fine-tuning the script and other pre-production work, we started shooting. The major part of the shooting was in Bangalore as well as in Chennai and Hyderabad.

“The story line is interesting and we are convinced it will be well received in Malaysia and India.”

Astro senior vice-president (content management group) S. Rajamani, who had watched the movie, was impressed by the action thriller.

Dr Selvamuthu said Rajamani decided to work with TGV Cinemas in the promotion and marketing of the movie.

The plot revolves around six characters and Samuthirakani, who plays the role of a human rights officer. The movie is about the consequences of a murder. The director, R.P. Ravi, has weaved in true incidents into the storyline.

The film talks about the conflict within police officials and their responsibilities. It also stresses on the need to protect society.

The movie’s two lead actors, Shakthi Vasudevan and Samuthirakani, were present at the launch along with actors Riaz Khan and Ponnambalam.

Others in the cast are Vaishali, Amitha, Satish Krishnan, Vatsan Chakravathy, Ganesh Prasath and Kebi Raj.

F.S. Faisal is the music director of the movie.

Also present at the event were actress Namitha and former Perak deputy commissioner of police Datuk A. Paramasivam.

Shakthi is the son of veteran film director P. Vasu, who has given hits such as Chandramukhi, Chinnathambi and Nadigan.

Shakthi started his career as a child artiste in Chinnathamabi and Nadigan. His first movie as hero was Thothal Poo Malarum in 2007, which was directed by his father.

After seven movies, Shakthi is making a return as a cop in Tharkappu.

Samuthirakani was an assistant director with the late filmmaker K. Balachandar. His first movie as director was Naadodigal, a runaway hit in 2009. His last movie as director was Nimirnthu Nil, with Jeyam Ravi and Amala Paul in lead roles.

Samuthirakani is also an accomplished actor who has received much praise for his performances in movies such as Saatai, Eesan, Payum Puli and Subramaniyapuram.

Dr Selvamuthu is confident that Tharkappu will be well received by Tamil movie fans all over the world.