28 November 2005

It sounded like a contest: a section of the media and industry insiders were betting on a date in December for the launch of superstar Rajnikant's next movie, and the film's production team.

The latter had kept the date a secret. So it was a surprise to all when on Monday the puja was performed for AVM productions `Sivaji' ata brief and solemn function.

The producers said they had made it brief considering the plight of lakhs of people affected by the rain in the State. The producers, AVM Saravanan and M.S. Guhan, were joined by Rajnikant and director Sankar. The lead lady Shreya took time off from a commercial shoot to attend the function.

The unit kept the function under wraps and even Shreya knew about it only after coming to AVM studio. Similarly, comedian Vivek too thought it was for some discussion, and got a surprise.

Keeping with the production house's tradition, the puja was held on the third flood of the studio. It was only two days back that the floor was fully air-conditioned.

The producers came in at 9 a.m. Director Shanker was at the studio at 9.15 a.m and Rajnikant walked in at 9.20 for the simple 15 minute function.

Music director A.R. Rahman, who is abroad, was represented by his mother Karima Begum. Others who attended included lyricist Vairamuthu, cameraman K.V. Anand, dance director Raju Sundaram, art director Thotta Tharani, and director S.P. Muthuraman.