Kombuseevi audio launch speech turns emotional with Yuvan, Shanmuga Pandian and Sarath Kumar

The audio launch of Kombuseevi, director Ponram’s upcoming film starring Shanmuga Pandian and Sarath Kumar, was held on Sunday in Chennai and turned into an emotionally resonant evening marked by heartfelt recollections and insights into the film’s making. The event brought together the cast and crew, who spoke at length about the journey behind the project and its personal significance.

Music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja took the stage to reflect on his long association with the late actor and politician Vijayakanth, Shanmuga Pandian’s father. Recalling his early memories, Yuvan spoke fondly of growing up admiring Vijayakanth’s screen presence, style, and action sequences. He also shared a personal anecdote from his childhood, remembering a dinner hosted by his mother shortly after Vijayakanth’s wedding, where he danced for the veteran actor. Composing music for Vijayakanth’s son, Yuvan said, felt like a full-circle moment. He added that he instantly agreed to be part of Kombuseevi after learning that Shanmuga Pandian was the lead, praising the script and its strong comic timing.

Yuvan also revisited his early career, recalling his first collaboration with Vijayakanth in Thennavan and his involvement in Alexander, a project that played a pivotal role in shaping his musical journey. Composing for Shanmuga Pandian, he noted, felt like working for family.

Director Ponram elaborated on the origins of Kombuseevi, tracing the idea back to his experiences near the Vaigai dam. An encounter with farmers cultivating submerged land and, later, the sight of an elderly man watching his flooded crops during the COVID period became the emotional foundation of the story. These moments eventually evolved into a full-fledged screenplay. Ponram also revealed that the film features a mother–son song sung by Ilaiyaraaja, which opens the film.

Speaking at the pre-release event, Vijaya Prabhakaran expressed his admiration for Shanmuga Pandian, praising the team’s commitment and Sarath Kumar’s support during the project. Shanmuga Pandian described the film as deeply personal, highlighting the emotional weight of its father-related dialogues. Sarath Kumar, in turn, said he immediately agreed to the film upon knowing Ponram was directing it, noting the genuine uncle–nephew bond he shares with Shanmuga both on and off screen.

Kombuseevi stars Shanmuga Pandian and Sarath Kumar in lead roles, alongside Tharnika, Anaira Gupta, George Maryan, and Sujith Shankar. The film’s technical team includes cinematographer Balasubramaniem, editor Dinesh Ponraj, art director Saravana Abiram, and stunt choreographers Phoenix Prabhu and Sakthi Saravanan. Produced by Mukesh T Chelliah under the Star Cinemas banner, Kombuseevi is gearing up for a theatrical release on December 19th.