Cinema – Sivakarthikeyan Applauds Radhika’s Grit at Film Launch Event

Cinema – Actor and producer Sivakarthikeyan has praised veteran performer Radhika Sarathkumar for her dedication to the upcoming Tamil film Thaai Kelavi, revealing that she continued filming despite suffering from severe knee pain that later required surgery. Speaking at the film’s trailer and audio launch, he described her commitment as instrumental to the project’s completion.

Radhika’s Determination Amid Health Challenges

Addressing the gathering, Sivakarthikeyan said that the central role in Thaai Kelavi demanded a performer with both emotional range and screen presence, adding that Radhika alone could have convincingly portrayed the character. During production, however, she was dealing with significant knee discomfort and had been advised to undergo surgery.

According to him, the actress had requested time to complete her medical procedure before returning to finish the remaining portions of the shoot. But coordinating fresh dates with the ensemble cast, many of whom were engaged in other commitments, posed a practical challenge.

To avoid delays, the team adjusted its filming strategy. Scenes that required Radhika to be seated alongside other actors were prioritised and completed first. Portions that involved her walking or appearing alone were deferred to a later schedule. This approach, Sivakarthikeyan noted, helped the production move forward without compromising her health.

Film Wrapped Up in a Single Schedule

Thanks to the careful planning and the cooperation of the cast and crew, the entire film was completed in one continuous schedule. Sivakarthikeyan credited director Sivakumar Murugesan for sticking to his timeline and praised the collective effort that ensured the project did not face extended delays.

He said the smooth completion reflected the team’s unity and professionalism. Completing a feature film in a single schedule, particularly with logistical hurdles, is considered a notable achievement in Tamil cinema.

Praise for Director Sivakumar Murugesan

Beyond discussing the shoot, Sivakarthikeyan spoke warmly about director Sivakumar Murugesan’s personality and approach to filmmaking. He said what impressed him most was the director’s sincerity rather than just his writing skills.

In an industry where commercial pressures can influence creative decisions, Sivakarthikeyan remarked that maintaining authenticity is not always easy. He expressed his intention to support and protect that honesty in future collaborations. Reinforcing his faith in the filmmaker, he confirmed that his next project after Seyon would also be directed by Sivakumar Murugesan. He clarified that the decision was based on respect for the director’s integrity rather than box office considerations.

About Thaai Kelavi

Thaai Kelavi is described as a comedy drama, with Radhika Sarathkumar leading the cast. The film also features Singam Puli, Arul Doss, Bala Saravanan, Munishkanth, Ilavarasu, George Maryan, Muthukumar and Raichal Rabecca in key supporting roles.

The project is jointly produced by Sudhan Sundaram and Sivakarthikeyan under Sivakarthikeyan Productions. Music for the film has been composed by Nivas K Prasanna, while editing duties were handled by San Lokesh. Cinematography is by Vivek Vijayakumar, and the art direction has been overseen by Ramu Thangaraj.

With the trailer and audio now unveiled, the film is set to draw attention for both its experienced ensemble and the behind-the-scenes determination that shaped its making. Industry observers note that the collaboration between an established actress and a filmmaker focused on grounded storytelling could make Thaai Kelavi a noteworthy addition to the upcoming Tamil film slate.