Simbu’s new heroine is Sarath Kumar's beautiful daughter Varalaxmi in Poda Podi

At the 55th Tiger Balm Filmfare Awards (South), on Saturday evening at the Nehru stadium, the cynosure of all eyes was Sarath Kumar and his beautiful daughter Varalaxmi looking gorgeous in a blue net sari with intricate zardosi work.

It looked like Sarath was officially launching her at Kollywood’s biggest bash, though they came just to attend the function. They got top billing and were invited on stage to present Priyamani with her award.

The grapevine was abuzz with rumours a few weeks ago that Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar was going to play Simbu’s heroine in his next film Poda Podi, a musical love story, to be shot in Toronto by a US-based NRI. Varalaxmi, Sarath’s daughter from his first marriage to Chaya, a designer and social worker, is beautiful, tall and attractive. She is also articulate, has style and élan to be a movie star, and is said to be a good dancer.

Varalaxmi or Varu as she is called at home has done her PhD in microbiology and has an MSc in management from the Edinburgh University in Scotland.

Speaking exclusively to CT, Varu says, “I always wanted to be an actress. I had done some stage shows and was also very impressed by Cats, the Broadway show. I even staged the show in Chennai for my friends and family. I think that must have impressed my dad, who agreed to launch me in movies.” Varu has done a six-month acting course from the prestigious Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares academy in Mumbai.

When contacted, Sarath Kumar says, “I believe any talent has to be encouraged. Like any father, I wanted her to complete her basic studies and then branch out into acting, which is her passion. Her stage show impressed me a lot. I know she has it in her to make it big in cinema. I will always be there as her guiding force to make her career a success.”

Tamil Latest Movie Subramanyapuram - a quick Review

Debutant director Sasi Kumar tries to present a different show through his much expected Subramanyapuram with the typical eighties backdrop. A former associate of Bala and Ameer, Sasi has come out with a fine watch worthy movie.

The film is the story of four youths growing up in Madurai locality and turn as killers due to unemployment and circumstances. Azhagar (Jai), Paramar (director Sasi Kumar), Kasi (Kanja Garuppu) and a handicapped young man in Subramanyapuram area. They do the odd jobs and working as sincere cadets of local politicians Somu and his brother (Samudrakani). Azhagar, the hero among the four, latter falls in love with the Somu's daughter Thulasi (Swathy). But his gang opposes the love and warns him many occasions.

Meanwhile the councilor's brother uses them to murder a party rival, promising they will be bailed out. Azhagar and Paramar committing the murder and surrender in the court. But nobody comes to bail them out. Later they realize that all are the planned conspiracy of the local politician. Now the gang turns into a revenge mood, which leads to a bloodshed second half.

The way of presentation beats the story but keep the viewers to stay in their seats. The art director and costume designer has worked hard to give that feel and look of the Madurai of the 80's. The camera work is excellent and it gives the feel of eighties in the first half, particularly in that theater scene.

The director is often using Illayaraja's golden hits and BGM in many scenes that give a different colour to the film. At the same time, we must appreciate music director James Vasant for coming out with some retro music.

The only drawback is that the film is too bloody and gory in the second half, particularly in the murder of Azhagar and Paramar's way of revenge for that (He just cut the throat of the villain in a running auto with a knife).

The actors are newcomers but contribute excellently throughout the film. Jai (Chennai-28 fame) as the romantic killer with the typical eighties costume has done a commendable job. The director comes in the role of Paramar also a welcome new face. The handicapped guy, Ganja Garuppu and Samudrakani are simply excellent. The new heroine Swathy is refreshing and her eyes speak a lot than her lips.

Sasi Kumar should be patted back for his hard work to recreate the magic of eighties on the screen with a sincere screenplay. No doubt, Subramanyapuram is a worthy film to list out top 20 Tamil films released in recent years.