Jai Bhim is the phrase that got me here, says filmmaker Pa Ranjith

Pa Ranjith said at the audio launch of his upcoming film, Natchathiram Nagargiradhu, that the phrase Jai Bhim got him here. "The journey that began with Attakaththi (his first film) has now reached Natchathiram Nagargiradhu." The Kaala director played down the fact that he had helped many people in the film industry grow by providing them with opportunities.

"Nobody has grown as a result of my efforts. They are skilled individuals, and I have made use of them. I'm glad I got to work with them," he added.

Ranjith talked about his filmmaker friends and how grateful he is for their contributions to his life. "I owe everything to Venkat Prabhu. Chennai 600028 is the movie that shaped my life. It taught me that I could create whatever I imagined."

Ranjith equally lauded the director Sasi, besides producers, Kalaipuli S Thanu and Gnanavel Raja.

"Sasi sir is the reason why I behave well with my assistant directors today. When I was an assistant director, he would make me sit and talk to me. Vetrimaaran is a director who showed me that a film can be made without any compromise. I wanted all three directors to be present at this event."

Further, while directing Kabali, Kalaipuli Thanu gave him a lot of leeway, Ranjith stated. "He didn't like the ending, but agreed for my sake. I would not be here today if Gnanavel Raja sir had not released my first film, Attakaththi. They are very important to me in my life."

The much-awaited romance drama will hit the screens on August 31. The intense drama, set against the backdrop of a theatre play, will challenge gender norms and explore queer themes. After Attakaththi, Ranjith returns to the romance genre with Natchathiram Nagargiradhu.

Kalidas Jayaram and Dushara Vijayan star in the film, which stars Kalaiarasan, Hari Krishnan, Subatra Robert, Vinoth, and Shabeer Kallarakkal (of Sarpatta Parambarai fame). Gnana Prasad, Vinsu Rachel Sam, Regin Rose, Stephen Raj, Sherin Celin Mathew, Damu, Arjun Prabhakaran, Uthaiya Surya, and Manisa Tait are also part of the cast.

The film features music by Tenma, cinematography by A Kishor Kumar, and editing by Selva RK. Vignesh Sundaresan, Manoj Leonel Jahson, and Ranjith produced Natchathiram Nagargiradhu, under their Neelam Productions and Yaazhi Films banners.

Meanwhile, Ranjith is working on multiple projects, including a sequel to Sarpatta Parambarai, an action film called Vettuvam, Chiyaan 61 and so on.