Velaiyilla Pattathari (2014)

Interesting facts

Velaiilla Pattadhari, popularly referred to as VIP, is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film written and directed by Velraj, in his directorial debut, and produced by Dhanush, who also plays the lead role alongside Amala Paul, Vivek, Saranya Ponvannan, Samuthirakani and Surbhi. It is the predecessor to Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 (2017), which was directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth. The film follows Raghuvaran "Raghu," an unemployed graduate, who tries to overcome various obstacles before and after finding employment.

Production

Velraj and Dhanush had worked together on several projects including Aadukalam (2011) and 3 (2012) as cinematographer and lead actor respectively. During the production of those films, Dhanush suggested Velraj to make his debut as a director and promised to play the lead role. After Velraj showed Dhanush the film's script, Dhanush agreed to play the lead role as well as produce the film.

Regarding the film's development, Velraj said, "Dhanush must have liked something about me to help me grow. It was during our Aadukalam days that he promised to make me a director and said he would act in my first film. Several directors would have lined up for this opportunity. He chose me. It's just a bond we share."

Velraj shot the film alongside his commitments as cinematographer for Poriyaalan (2014) and Vai Raja Vai, while Anirudh Ravichander and Kola Bhaskar joined the team as music composer and editor respectively. However, Bhaskar was replaced with M. V. Rajesh Kumar after scheduling conflicts arose. The film was planned as a "message to the youth with some comedy on rising unemployment and the growing frustration for jobs with love".

When Velraj showed Dhanush the script for the film, he was impressed by it and immediately offered to act in it as well as bankroll the venture. Velraj said besides acting, Dhanush suggested additional inputs to the script. Rather than demand changes, the actor collaborated with the director to develop the best script for the film.

Amala Paul was selected to play the role of a doctor named Shalini. She described her character as "very different" from those that she had done before, and that the characters in the film were drawn from real-life archetypes. Vivek, who was added to the cast in May 2014, stated during a press meet of the film that he initially rejected the role and as a result, Dhanush decided to make someone else play the role.

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