'Darbar', coming in the direction of 'Ghajini' and 'Thuppaki' helmer AR Murugadoss, has the legendary Rajinikanth in the lead.  Presented by Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, which bankrolls huge movies, this film has the Superstar in the role of a cop named Aditya Arunachalam.  To hit the screens as a Sankranthi treat, it will be released by the famous producer NV Prasad in the Telugu States.  

The film's audio release function was held on Saturday.  Here is what the speakers spoke on the occasion.  

Superstar Rajinikanth said, "Subaskaran is my good friend.  You all know him only as a film producer.  But he is a big businessman in London, providing jobs to many and also rendering social service.  During the making of '2.0', I had promised to do another film under his banner.  We couldn't think about anyone else but AR Murugadoss to direct the movie.  I love his 'Ramana' and 'Gajini'.  I had been wanting to work with him for long.  When 'Kabali' and 'Kaala' were being made, he showed interest in a police officer story.  When 'Petta' came, Murugadoss knew what kind of roles would interest me and he came up with 'Darbar' in a week's time.  That's how this project got birthed.  At one level, this movie is a suspense thriller.  I am happy to have got to work with a director who blends message with entertainment, like Shankar.  This is my first movie with cinematographer Santosh Sivan in 29 years, since 'Dalapathy'.  Nayanthara had acted opposite me in 'Chandramukhi'.  In 'Darbar', she is looking even more glamorous than in that movie.  Suneil Shetty, Yogi Babu, Nivetha Thomas, and others have done a great job.  The fights composed by Ram-Lakshman duo are amazing.  The climax fight is by Peter Heins.  This film unfolds against the backdrop of Mumbai.  Murugadoss completed the shooting works in 90 days.  Only he could have done it while ensuring quality.  Anirudh's music is of high quality, once again after 'Petta'.  His sense of music is unique, like Ilaiyaraaja garu's.  Good-hearted people have come together to make 'Darbar' possible.  Ever since I was allowed to set my foot in Tamil Nadu, I have never disappointed those who have kept trust in me.  With 'Darbar', too, I am going to keep the trust.  December 12 is my birthday and, as you all know, I don't celebrate my birthdays with fanfare.  I urge my fans not to indulge in grandeur on my birthday.  Please help out orphans and other needy people with your monies."

Director AR Murugadoss said, "I am happy to have got to work with a hero whose films I remember watching as a kid.  Rajinikanth garu is a boon for us.  He works hard and is always honest.  There is so much to learn from him.  I am proud to have got to work with him for a year.  I had worked with Subaskaran garu during 'Kathi'.  Back then, he faced some criticisms.  Today, he is one of the strong pillars of the Tamil film industry.  Anirudh is a highly talented music director.  And Sreekar Prasad is the kind of editor who enhances the scenes.  I am happy that the Dalapathy combination of Rajini garu and Santosh Sivan has been repeated after 29 years. The action scenes in 'Darbar' have emotional heft.  You will see the kind of Rajini in action scenes that you haven't seen in the last 15 years."

Director Shankar said, "Anirudh is the main hero of this movie.  He is such an uncompromising talent who always gives the best.  He knows how to give the best to the audience.  As for Murugadoss, he is a very good writer who designs the characters of the hero and antagonist so well.  The face-off between these two in the climax is always exciting in his movies.  I congratulate Suneil Shetty on playing the villain in 'Darbar'.  Subaskaran garu is a passionate producer who knows how to spend wisely, something I realized during '2.0'.  And I am working once again with him on 'Indian 2'.  I wish him great success with 'Darbar'.  He should continue to produce great movies.  I have been missing Rajinikanth garu.  I keep remembering him every day.  He knows the value of time like no other and teaches us a lot of valuable lessons.  I am excited to see him as a powerful police officer in 'Darbar'."

Lyca Productions leader A Subaskaran said, "This is our yet another film with Rajinikanth garu after '2.0'.  Murugadoss garu has made an amazing movie.  As for music, Anirudh has given amazing output.  We thank Santosh Sivan garu and Sreekar Prasad garu on the occasion.  'Darbar' will be a grand Sankranthi release."

Music director Anirudh said, "I am a die-hard fan of Rajinikanth sir.  It was eight years ago that Dhanush recognized the music director in me.  I thank him for this occasion.  Since then, I had been dreaming to compose music for a Rajini sir movie.  This dream has come true not once but twice.  After I completed RR work on 'Darbar', it felt emotional.  When I was doing small movies, it was Murugadoss garu who gave me 'Kathi', which turned out to be a big break for me.  It has been an exciting journey."

Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty said, "I am glad that I have got to work with Superstar Rajinikanth garu.  It had been my dream to work with him.  When Murugadoss told me the script, I immediately said OK.  But I also asked him a question, 'Will I be able to visit south India without fear after this movie?'.  My character in 'Darbar' is that terrific.  I have done this movie as a fan of Rajini sir.  I thank the entire unit."

Cast & Crew

With Nayanthara as the hero's pair, the big-ticket mass entertainer has Nivetha Thomas in a key role.  Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty, Yogi Babu, Thambi Ramaiah, Sriman, Pratheik Babbar, Jatin Sarna, Nawab Shah, Dalip Tahil and others are part of the cast.

PRO: Naidu Surendra Kumar - Phani Kandukuri.  Fights: Peter Hein, Ram-Lakshman.  Lyricist: Vivek.  Art Direction: T Santanam.  Editor: Srikar Prasad.  Executive Producer: Sundar Raj.  Cinematography: Santosh Sivan.  Music: Anirudh Ravichandran.  Production House: Lyca Productions.  Written and directed by AR Murugadoss.  Producer: Subaskaran.