Vishnu Edavan, the director of 'Hi', has successfully brought back the old-school Tamil cinema entertainer, a genre that has been missing from the scene for some time. This film, starring Kavin and Nayanthara, is a refreshing and nostalgic experience that has been well-received by audiences. Edavan's goal was to create a film that would evoke the same feelings of joy and entertainment that Tamil cinema used to offer in the 1990s and 2000s. He wanted to make a film that was simple, with an ensemble cast, memorable songs, and a good old comedy track, which is exactly what he delivered.
One of the most fascinating aspects of 'Hi' is the way it portrays the vulnerable male lead, Mayilsamy, played by Kavin. Edavan describes Mayil as 'a pachcha pulla', and the film focuses on his antics and emotions. The late veteran Bhagyaraj is written as the father of Mayil, and his character is reminiscent of the 80s Bhagyaraj, who was known for his timid and emotional portrayal. Edavan's unique approach to Bhagyaraj's character is particularly interesting, as he wanted to bring back the Bhagyaraj we saw in 'Vaettiya Madichu Kattu'.
The film's only action sequence features Bhagyaraj rolling up his sleeves and standing up for his son, which is a refreshing change from the usual roles played by Prabhu. Edavan's decision to give Bhagyaraj an action sequence as a father who stands up for his son is a bold move that has been well-received by audiences. The film's performances are a highlight, and Edavan felt comfortable directing his actors, allowing them to convey their emotions on paper.
Edavan's next project will be different from 'Hi', and he has around four scripts to choose from. However, he is confident that his next film will be in the zone of films like 'Padaiyappa', 'Vasool Raja MBBS', and 'Catch Me If You Can'. As for his songwriting, Edavan will continue to write lyrics, as it has given him a livelihood. He even mentions that if not for his directorial commitments, he would have written more songs for 'Coolie' and 'Jana Nayagan'.
In conclusion, 'Hi' is a film that has brought back the old-school Tamil cinema entertainer, and Vishnu Edavan's unique approach to storytelling and character development has made it a refreshing and nostalgic experience. His next project will be different, but he is confident that it will be just as successful as 'Hi'.
