Maanaadu preview: All you need to know about the Silambarasan-starrer political thriller

Venkat Prabhu's Maanaadu, which has Silambarasan playing the lead, is one of the most-anticipated Tamil projects of the year. Bankrolled by producer-turned-director Suresh Kamatchi, the movie is Kalyani Priyadarshan's second outing in Kollywood. Richard M Nathan and Praveen KL have handled cinematography and editing for the project respectively. Billed as a political thriller, the movie went on floors earlier last year, but the team had to put the shooting on hold when the first wave of corona hit the country. 

After facing several odds and the uncertainty regarding shooting with large number of crew members during the first and second lockdown, the makers of Maanaadu finally wrapped up the portions a couple of months ago. The team celebrated the occasion by cutting a special cake which had the title Maaanadu written on it. Silambarasan also gifted expensive watch to the crew members to celebrate the occasion. A few of them had shared the pictures of them receiving the watch on their social media accounts. 

What is Silambarasan's character in the movie?

The actor plays Abdul Khaaliq, a suspense-filled character which has different layers, in the film. The much-awaited first look of the movie had him with a bleeding face and a bullet pierced on his forehead even as he is seen offering prayers. The second look poster of the movie had him pointing a gun at himself and a group of his clones seen staring in the background. The motion poster had Silambarasan, who is wielding a gun, intruding a largely crowded political gathering. 

Its teaser which was released earlier this year had the actor who is on a mission getting into action mode. Though the makers are tight-lipped about his role in the movie, it looks like he plays a revolutionist who is also driven by the urge to seek revenge against those who made his past life miserable. SJ Suryah will be seen playing a cop in the movie which has Bharathiraja, SA Chandrasekhar, Karunakaran, Premgi Amaren, Anjena Kirti and Manoj Bharathiraja among others essaying significant roles. 

Why was Silambarasan ousted from the project during its initial stage of production?

After Venkat Prabhu announcing the project's title with a poster, expectations soar high as Silambarasan's fans anticipated that it would be the much-needed comeback for him. However, some time later, producer Suresh Kamatchi alleged that the actor is not punctual to the set and announced that he is no more interested to collaborate with him. He also added that the team will complete the project with another actor, leaving fans of the star disappointed. 

Suresh had then filed a complaint in Tamil Film Producers Council as well. In an interesting turn of events, a new project named Maghaa Maanaadu was announced from Silambarasan's side. It was touted to be a multilingual big-budget project. However, after many members from Maanaadu team stepping in to sort out the issues between the producer and the actor, the latter was brought back into the project upon the condition that he should be punctual on set.  

Why is the film riding on high expectations?

Silambarasan was heavily criticized in different ways after the debacle of Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan. Though his fans were slightly relieved after watching him perform in Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, they have been eagerly waiting for a true-blue blockbuster from their favourite star. Right from the announcement of Maanaadu, they have pinned high hopes on Venkat Prabhu and team. Silambarasan's never-before-seen appearance in the movie was instantly loved by his fans, and the first look and second look added more hype to the project. 

The teaser which was released by the makers was innovative, and it elevated the hype even further. Movie buffs started comparing the film with Christopher Nolan's Tenet, as the teaser, which had several reverse shots, mentioned the line 'Time waits for no one. What if it waits for one'. The inclusion of Yuvan Shankar Raja in the cast is another reason behind the skyrocketing expectations on the film.

When will Maanaadu hit the screens?

There were unconfirmed reports and speculation of the movie hitting the screens on May 2021, but the delay in post-production and the second wave of the pandemic made the makers consider another date. Later, rumours were strife that Maanaadu will make it to theatres in September or October after the makers quashed news on the film going the OTT way. A few days ago, Silambarasan tweeted the release date of the movie, leaving his fans and the industry insiders surprised. 

The movie will hit the screens on Deepavali, and will take on the mighty Annaatthe, starring Superstar Rajinikanth. It was said that Ajith-starrer Valimai will have a clash with Annaatthe, but the latter having a box office clash with Maanaadu was least expected by film lovers. It has to be seen if the makers will reconsider their decision to arrive on the festive occasion.