could migrate from the small and smart films to the big and stylish themes with such ease. He was proving himself to be a versatile director. But the biggest eye catcher of it all was the polymorphic Vikram. We knew that he had the eye for the diverse and the challenging, but even knowing his standards, the three get ups that were flashed in the trailer surprised us all. What kind of story could accommodate get ups as different as the three seen here?

The trailer made us think that Kanthaswamy was well and truly on its way to completion. After seeing such detailed footage, different get ups, fights, locations, Shriya and snippets from a song, one had to believe that a major portion had been shot. But, it turned out that what we had seen in those eight minutes was just the tip of the iceberg. Susi and Vikram had a great deal more in their minds. That included the latest in film making technology, the most exotic and unseen locales (the team got a fairy tale welcome in Mexico) and reportedly breathtaking stunts. With the backing of Kalaipuli Thanu, such things are possible and it is not surprising that such a plan took its time to be executed.

Kanthaswamy also surprised us with its quietness. There was so much excitement at the beginning. It was sustained for a while. But then, it seemed to fizzle. It was almost as if everyone had got used to the fact that the film would take its time in the making. And for a period, Kanthaswamy was away from the limelight, going about its business unnoticed. That, Bheema arrived somewhere in the interim, also distracted a bit of attention from Kanthaswamy. The man who sprung the next surprise was Devi Sri Prasad.

He is normally known to give us good tunes. But this time he carried it a bit further. One or two songs by an actor are usual in the industry, but no composer has shown the courage to give almost an entire album to an actor who has practically no history in front of the microphone. We were not sure of the results. But, all doubts were dispelled at a grand function (grandeur has become Kanthaswamy’s synonym) with Italian dancers and all, where the audio was released. Now, the songs are not melodies that will be a connoisseurs’ delight, but they are definitely ones that can be hummed along on a jolly day.

Strangely, for the big movie that Kanthaswamy is, the final lap has been a bit subdued. The grand launch and the glitzy music release were all attention grabbers in an industry where visibility is everything. But, the final round of publicity and promotion has looked a bit damp and lackluster. This is not a criticism, only an observation. The finished product has not been given the push at the most important time. Maybe, it is a deliberate ploy in order to keep expectations from burgeoning beyond control. Thanu knows how to play his cards.

After two years in the making, Kanthaswamy arrives on this Friday, the 21st. Kollywood’s first superhero is set to fly, cape and all. If this one changes the face of Kollywood as it promised to after the first teaser look, then the cape ought to be given to the man who made it possible, Susi Ganesan. Let’s hope that Kanthaswamy –The Superhero flies high and we wish the crew all the best!