‘Thiru.Manickam’ (Mr. Manickam), a Tamil family blockbuster that has attracted widespread praised from Indian film industry greats including superstar Rajinikanth, makes its streaming premiere this week.
Following the success of family dramas like ‘Aindham Vedham’, ‘Raghuthatha’, and ‘Demonte Colony 2’, this emotional thriller which has already been hailed as a “gem of Tamil cinema” and “one of the most underrated movies of 2024” will make its mark on ZEE5 Global from January 24. Directed by Nandha Periyasamy, the film stars Samuthirakani in the lead role along with Ananya, Bharathiraja, and Jaseena in the prominent roles.
Samuthirakani said: “I’ve always believed in choosing roles that challenge me and push the boundaries of what I can do as an actor. ‘Thiru.Manickam’ was one such film that offered me a unique opportunity to bring something new to the table, and I’m so glad to see the film being received so well.
“Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work on a variety of projects, balancing small gems like ‘Thiru.Manickam’ with bigger commercial films. It’s not about planning every step of the way, but about feeling connected to a story and a character. The success of this film has been overwhelming, and I’m beyond excited for it to now reach a wider audience on ZEE5 Global.”
The film is produced by G.P. Ravi Kumar, Chintha Gopala Krishna Reddy, and Raja Senthil under the banner of GPRK Cinemas. It explores the journey of a man who, despite facing overwhelming opposition for doing good, shows how humanity ultimately wins.
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None other than superstar Rajinikanth is among those who showered it with praise. In a heartfelt note, he called it a “wonderful piece of work”, applauding its emotional depth and storytelling that sticks with you long after the credits roll. He also tipped his hat to director Periyaswamy, predicting a bright future for him in the industry.
Periyasamy said: “I’m extremely grateful for the recognition it has received from industry giants like superstar Rajinikanth, Siva Kumar, Arya, IAS Iraianbu, Director Ameer, Nithilan Swaminathan, Thamizharasan Pachamuthu, and Karthik Subbaraj. Their words of encouragement mean a great deal to me and the entire team.
“I would also like to thank the cast and crew for their unwavering dedication in bringing this vision to life. I’m excited for a wider global audience to experience ‘Thiru.Manickam’ and witness its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes.”
Sivakumar Chinnasamy, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 and Chief Technology & Product Officer, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, added: “We are especially grateful to superstar Rajinikanth Sir for his heartfelt appreciation of the film, which reinforces its significance as a must-watch for every family. ‘Thiru.Manickam’ highlights the value of honesty and righteousness, making it a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
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“As ZEE5 Global continues to champion Tamil cinema, we are proud to offer diverse, high-quality content that not only entertains but also inspires. Our platform’s increasing focus on regional storytelling underscores the growing reach and influence of Tamil cinema, bringing these remarkable stories to global viewers. We remain committed to delivering entertainment that speaks to the heart of every viewer.”
Originally in Tamil, the film will also be available in Kannada and Malayalam dubbed versions from later this week. The story follows Mr Manikkam (Samuthirakani), a lottery shop owner who finds a winning ticket worth millions. He must decide whether to uphold his morals or give in to temptation.