Director Arivazhagan's concerns over 'Sabdham' spark industry debate

'Sabdham' was released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu on Feb 28, and the film has been receiving a positive response from audiences. Directed by Arivazhagan, the film stars Aadhi Pinisetty in the lead role, alongside Lakshmi Menon, who makes a strong comeback. The film also features actors like Simran and Laila in significant roles, adding to the star power. With music composed by Thaman S and cinematography by Arun Bathmanaban, 'Sabdham' promises a gripping horror experience rooted in intense emotions and chilling moments. The story revolves around a mysterious sound that haunts a village, leading the protagonist into a terrifying journey to uncover its dark secrets.
Despite the film's intriguing plot and notable performances, director Arivazhagan recently expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the film's release and promotion. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, he voiced his concerns that 'Sabdham' suffered due to poor marketing and delayed release. He stated, “They delayed the release of 'Sabdham' and didn’t promote it, thereby killing it. But the audience didn’t do the same. They showed their genuine love and support by ensuring the houseful shows. I'm receiving calls from people across all walks of life, and I’m thankful for that.”
Interestingly, Arivazhagan did not explicitly mention who "they" refers to, leading to speculation among fans and the industry. The lack of clarity has sparked questions about whether the filmmaker was pointing fingers at the production team, distributors, or others involved in the film's release process. His strong statement has generated buzz and concern, especially considering the film's positive reception from audiences despite minimal promotions.
Earlier, renowned director Shankar, known for his blockbuster ventures, also extended his wishes to the 'Sabdham' team through his X page, acknowledging the film's unique theme and execution. With the audience showing their support by filling theaters, it’s evident that Sabdham has struck a chord. However, Arivazhagan’s remarks have brought attention to the challenges faced by films lacking sufficient promotional efforts.