The pre-release event of Rajinikanth's 'Darbar' was held on Friday at Shilpa Kala Vedika in Hyderabad . Rajinikanth, A.R.Murugadoss, Nivetha Thomas, Vamsi Paidipally, Maruthi, Harish Shankar, producer Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, Telugu producer N.V.Prasad, Santosh Sivan, Anirudh Ravichander, Ram-Lakshman, Dil Raju were among others who attended the event. Rajinikanth plays Aditya Arunachalam in this movie, which releases on 9th January.
Speaking on the occasion, Vamsi Paidipally said, "The life of Rajini sir is a great inspiration. I love the working style of AR Murugadoss and audiences have been wanting to see this combination for a long time. I wish Santosh Sivan garu, Anirudh, Nivetha Thomas, Subaskaran sir, the maker of big films and everyone associated with this movie all the best.
Ram-Lakshman said, "When we were wanting to do a Tamil film, Rajini sir gave us the opportunity to work for this movie. Working with Rajinikanth garu will be a memorable experience for us. Murugadoss sir's movies have a social message. We hope this movie will become a big hit".
Dil Raju said, "I loved the trailer of the movie and I am eagerly waiting to watch the film. AR Murugadoss is known for doing magic. He does it in any language. As a kid, I watched 'Jeevana Poratam' and tried to imitate Rajini sir. But I couldn't. I wish this movie will turn out to be a big hit".
Harish Shankar said, "I've not come here as a director but as a fan of Rajini sir, wanting to take a pic with him as I've never met him before. When it comes to competition in this digital age, maximum hits comes into consideration. But Rajini sir broke all records at a time when there was no internet, no big events and not much publicity was done. He became very close to Telugu audiences. Audiences own him in whichever language he does. AR Murugadoss sir always does films with a socially relevant message. He is a great director. Anirudh is doing well in Telugu. I wish him and this team the best"
Nivetha Thomas said, "Rajini sir's energy in the trailer amazed me though I had observed him closely during the making. We like Vijay sir or Ajith sir or Pawan Kalyan sir or Mahesh Babu sir or Allu Arjun sir or Nani. But Rajini sir is one actor all these stars love. Telugu audiences never see his films as dubbed films. I thank Murugadoss sir for believing that I can do this role".
D.O.P. Santosh Sivan said, "The radiance of Rajini sir is unmatched. 'Dalapathy' was the first film I worked with him. He looks as young and as energetic as ever. Working with such an actor becomes an easy job for us".
Suneil Shetty said, "I've had one of the finest experiences ever working on this movie. AR Murugadoss is a very good director. Santosh Sivan sir is a legend. He can shoot better than 90 percent of the cinematographers today just with a mobile phone. Anirudh has given breathtaking music. Lyca Productions has an outstanding team. Rajini sir is a God of Cinema. All of us actors try to copy something or the other from him. More than a great actor, he is a very good human being. More than anything else, being grounded and being a good human being is important in this world.
AR Murugadoss said, ""Darbar' is a special film for me. I got the opportunity to work with Rajini sir after doing 13 films. This is also the first time, I've made a cop movie. It's a pan-Indian film and needed someone who could take it to that level. Subaskaran sir is a real life hero. His life can be made as a biopic in the future. Nayanthara, Nivetha Thomas and everyone did a good job and Yogi Babu's comedy will be good. Suneil Shetty sir has played a strong antagonist role. Ram-Lakshman's choreography is innovative and audiences will clap non-stop for five minutes for a fight in the second half, which showcases a vintage Rajinikanth. I thank Anirudh for amazing songs and BGM. 'Darbar' is a good family members. Do watch it on 9th January".
AR Murugadoss introduced all his assistant directors on the stage and appreciated them for their hard work.
Rajinikanth said, "I'm 70 and only the love of fans towards me keeps me going at this age. Many have asked me what's the secret behind my energy at this age. I advise them to expect less, worry less, sleep normally, eat moderately, exercise a bit and talk less. Following these would bring happiness into your life. Many of you who are here today were not born when my 'Anthuleni Katha' released in 1976. Telugu audiences love movies and encourage good films. They love me as much as Tamil audiences do. My films did well in Telugu not because I acted but because I was part of good films. Some magic has to happen while making a movie for it to do well. It is not at all in our hands. It happened during the making of 'Darbar'. I played a cop named Aditya Arunachalam in this movie. When someone tells the story, it might not sound great. But it is the screenplay that made all the difference. Ram-Lakshman may look normal but they are like Yogis. Their action choreography is brilliant. I've been waiting to work with AR Murugadoss for 15 years and finally it happened now. I honestly didn't expect the event will be this big. Tirupati Prasad garu usually prefer low profile events. But he might have sensed that this movie is going to be a big hit and planned a big event. I've done more than 160 films but 'Darbar' is special. I pray to God to bless you all with health and happiness"
