Mafia is all set for its worldwide release on 21 February. The film starring Arun Vijay is helmed by Karthick Naren and is being bankrolled by Subaskaran‘s Lyca Productions. Ahead of the film’s release, the crew met the press to speak about the film and to thank the team for their work.
The film also stars Prasanna and Priya Bhavani Shankar in pivotal roles. Taking the lead at the meet, lead actor Arun Vijay said, “I’ve been in this industry for 25 years now. It has been a challenging time for me. I went through a lot of hardships. It is my family, friends, media, and fans, who helped me get through it all and continue to give my best.”
Speaking of his role in his newest film, he said, “Mafia has a phenomenal plot that has such intense characterisation… This is Karthick Naren’s baby. We were able to do our jobs without any stress. My co-star Prasanna, who is also a fitness freak like me, is amazing in the movie. Priya Bhavani Shankar is a talented actress, she speaks Tamil too, so her transformation for this movie is something to watch out for. These days, it’s really hard to find Tamil-speaking heroines and she has gone through a complete transformation in character for this film. When I asked Karthick Naren, if I can watch some video rushes, he insisted I wait and watch the final theatrical version.”
Actor Prasanna said, “Arun Vijay and I didn’t have too many shots together, but after watching the movie, I was completely enthralled with the way Karthick Naren has materialised the script. Priya Bhavani Shankar is a beautiful, Tamil-speaking actress, who doesn’t miss out on exhibiting her wonderful linguistic skills in Tamil, unlike many others. It is an honour to have lyricist Vivek on board. After penning lyrics for actors Rajinikanth and Vijay, we are delighted to have him write for us.”
Priya Bhavani Shankar said, “It’s such a delight to find myself doing a different role and all credit goes to Karthick Naren. Arun Vijay sir is such an amazing and positive person. Prasanna sir has done a fabulous job in the film although we didn’t have scenes together. I was also quite excited on hearing that Jakes Bejoy is onboard.”
mafia-arun-vijay-prasanna-karthick-naren
Director Karthick Naren, “I went through some tough times in my life and Mafia has helped me come out of it. At this point in time, I would like to thank a couple of people, who were earnestly responsible for it – Arun Vijay sir and Lyca Productions Subashkaran sir. Mafia will be a mainstream entertaining theatrical film and is definitely not anything out of the world. It will impress audiences, but there isn’t anything new in the plot. Don Ashok’s stunts, Gokul Benoy’s cinematography, and Jakes Bejoy’s music are going to be huge attractions in the film.”
Music director Jakes Bejoy, “When I met Karthick Naren for the first time during the narration of Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru, I was spellbound by the talent he possessed. With Mafia, he has upgraded himself. The re-recording process was very exciting at Budapest and Los Angeles, and I thank my team for their help.”
Stunt director Don Ashok, “There was a particular scene, where Arun Vijay was severely injured while performing an action sequence. It was hard for him to even wear shoes, but he did not give up and finished the sequence that moment itself. Priya Bhavani Shankar has taken a shot at action for the first time and has done a neat job.”
Watch the teaser of Mafia here:
