Tharunam team interview: Director Arvindh Srinivasan claims 'star films can make directors lose their identities'

This Pongal, with Vidaamuarchi out of the race, Tamil cinema seems to have taken up to romantic dramas, given how three films on love, are scheduled to release on January 14, Nesippaya, Kadhalikka Neramillai, and finally romantic thriller Tharunam.

“We were looking for to come for Pongal, along with Vidaamuyarchi. But when they backed out, we were debating to come on January 10 or 14. It was an overnight decision and the release date was announced,” says Arvindh Srinivasan, director of Tharunam.

Also read: Madha Gaja Raja Movie Review: Sundar C and Vishal’s film retains both charm of old-school entertainment and problem of unawareness 

'Star films can make directors lose their identities sometimes'

The Déjà vu director says that after helming the mystery thriller, he did not want to get branded by a genre and get boxed within. Hence, he chose not to do a thriller once again, but any other genre. “I wanted a genre-shifting film so that the audience can get a different experience. So, it was at the interval point from where the film began. While any idea can excite us, I usually give it a time of two weeks and if it still gives me the same feeling, I continue. That is how Tharunam happened,” Arvindh says.

Tharunam revolves around a couple, who get together in a moment, and another which happens unexpectedly. “It is a simple yet refreshing film. Say for example, if you take Alaipayuthey and see it from the perspective from Khushboo’s episode, and go into the detailing of her story. It would not just be a love story. Tharunam is like that. The audience wants something different, that is how I did.”

Also read: Tharunam actor Kishen Das: I feel small films still have big audience in today’s times 

Arvindh states that after Déjà vu, he was particular not to do a big film because he deemed it safe. “Had I taken that route, and if I am doing a third film with a big star, what is next for me. I will come to a situation where my identity will be lost for the expectations I will have. Star films can make directors lose their identities sometimes, and it only pushes us to make big-budget films and forget about stories,” the director adds as he mentions he would still love to work with stars but only with the right scripts.

Tharunam came at my lowest point: Raj Ayappa

For upcoming actor Raj Ayappa, it has already been a fantastic start in 2025 which saw the finale of his web series Uppu Puli Kaaram as he is gearing up for the release of three of his films this month. While he plays a small role in Kadhalikka Neramillai, Raj Ayappa will also be seen in Tharunam and Ten Hours.

Speaking on the sidelines of Tharunam promotions, Raj Ayappa, who had a mix of roles in the past, says, “For now, I take up roles that excite me and would do the majority of the audience. Like in the case of Uppu Puli Kaaram, I was not very excited about the role. I was told it would be 150 episodes and am not used to the tedious process of shooting. I took it up to be busy and in the process before getting a break. But when I got Tharunam, I was at a low point. Once the film was announced, I had reached out to the director to congratulate him and that’s how he offered my role.”

Raj Ayappa explains how his role is complicated and has many shades in Tharunam. “I know Kishen from school, since he is my senior, while I know the director since the time he was working in press. It felt like everything fell into place for Tharunam to happen,” the actor adds.

Stating that Tharunam is his lucky charm, Raj Ayappa looks forward to playing a wide variety of roles in the future and adds the audience will get to see him more later this year.