23 years of Mani Ratnam's Alai Payuthey: Madhavan says, "seems like yesterday"

The film marked the debut of Madhavan in Tamil opposite Shalini

A still from Alai Payuthey

It's been 23 years since Mani Ratnam's AlaiPayuthey hit screens. The film marked the debut of Madhavan in Tamil and he teamed up opposite Shalini, one of the top leading ladies of the time. The romantic drama revolves around the challenges between two young couples after they decide to get married and live together. The film had a soundtrack by AR Rahman.

Taking to his social media handle, Madhavan got all emotional about the film and said that it felt like it was yesterday. He wrote, "What a blessed journey . Gods grace … it seems like yesterday though. @MadrasTalkies_ @pcsreeram @hasinimani #Maniratnam. And the one and only @arrahman (sic)."

Also Read: After Rocketry, Madhavan to do a biopic on inventor GD Naidu, the 'Edison of India'

AlaiPayuthey was released on the occasion of Tamil New Year, 2000. Cinematography for the film was by PC Sreeram, marking Mani Ratnam's reunion with him after a long hiatus and editing was by A Sreekar Prasad. The film was bankrolled by Mani Ratnam's production house, Madras Talkies. AlaiPayuthey went on to attain a cult status and the onscreen chemistry between the lead pair became the talk of the town.

The film launched Madhavan as a romantic hero and he went on to do a slew of romantic films, including Dumm Dumm Dumm, Minnale, Paarthale Paravasam, Run, Nala Damayanthi and Lesa Lesa to name a few. The film marked Shalini's second last film. After her marriage to Ajith Kumar, the popular child artiste and leading lady bid adieu to the film industry to focus on her family.

Also Read: Test: Fans elated to see Madhavan & Siddharth unite after 17 years for S. Sashikanth film

Madhavan is all set to play popular inventor GD Naidu in his biopic. Coimbatore's Gopalswamy Doraisamy Naidu is often referred to as the 'Edison of India' due to his multiple innovations in science and technology. Madhavan also has in his kitty, Test, a Tamil film, in which he will team up with Nayanthara and his Rang De Basanti co-star Siddharth. The film is said to be a sports drama. He also has a film with Thiruchitrambalam director Mithran Jawahar.

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