Yash Raj Films, the banner synonymous with Bollywood romcoms have finally entered the Tamil cinema space with ‘Aaha Kalyanam,’ a remake of their Hindi Anushka Sharma-Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’. The movie at its very core was a fresh romantic comedy about two fledgling wedding planners, polar opposites in every way. The energy of its lead actors and their sizzling on screen chemistry, made it one of Yash Raj Films’ biggest releases in 2010. Hoping to recreate the same magic here, the studio has roped in the Telugu star Nani of ‘Naan E’ fame and Bollywood import Vaani Kapoor (of Shuddh Desi Romance) to play the lead roles in this movie, with a special appearance from Simran.
The original sound track of Aaha Kalyanam was released with usual YRF pomp and fanfare at a star hotel in the city recently. The premises were decorated to resemble a quintessential Tamil wedding hall, with ‘kuthu vilakkus’ (traditional lamps) and banyan leaves artfully placed around. Even the crew members were seen frantically trying to get a grip on their on to slippery ‘veshtis’, while doing the last minute checks. The whole area resembled one of those classy, tastefully decorated wedding scenes from one of Yash Raj’s own movies.
A host of celebrities were at hand to be a part of the festivities, all dressed to the nines and happily posing for the shutterbugs arriving in time to mark YRF’s debut in to Tamil films. The star of the show, Dharan Kumar was subject to some good natured ribbing from the hosts while Vijay Sethupathy, Dharani, Vishnuvardhan and Samuthirani officially launched the soundtrack. The songs were all upbeat, high energy tracks, with vintage sounds intermingling with new age beats. Madhan Karky has scored yet again with this album; the lyrics are attention grabbing! Traditional sounds that we only hear in weddings have been seamlessly incorporated into the sound track, making it an easy listen. Hopefully, the composer finally gets the recognition he deserves!
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Simran introduced Vaani Kapoor to the media- both resplendent in rich Kanjeevaram saris, presenting a pretty sight to behold. Speaking in chaste tamil, the newbie actress gushed, “I have heard this proverb ‘Vandhaarai Vaazha Vaikkum Tamil Nadu’ somewhere and I know it means that tamilians wholeheartedly welcome outsiders. You’ve done this to Simranji, and hopefully you’ll include me as well.” Soon after, the title of ‘Milagai Bajji’ was also bestowed on the unsuspecting actress in appreciation of her love for the snack.
And to wrap up the festivities in style, all the singers part of the project lip-synced to a few songs.