In the Past, Educated People Entered Politics; Today, Actors Are Entering Politics” – Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan at the ‘Idhu Namma Kudumbam’ Audio and Trailer Launch !

In the Past, Educated People Entered Politics; Today, Actors Are Entering Politics” – Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan at the ‘Idhu Namma Kudumbam’ Audio and Trailer Launch !

Chennai, October 17, 2026 Produced under the banner of CCC Film International by Chaitanya Sankaran, Maragatha Suba Sankaran, Dr. Archana Sankaran and Arthika Sankaran, Idhu Namma Kudumbam is written, scripted and directed by Chaitanya Sankaran. Anand Babu plays the lead role, while Sajitha plays the female lead. The film also features Mahanadhi Shankar, Deepak Nambiar, Sonia Das, Anrisha, Theni Amudha, Aishwarya, Muthukaalai, Crane Manohar, Subburaj, Surya, Bharathi Shankar, Karthik and Abdullah Raja in important roles.

K. Balachandran has composed the music, while S.R.P. Senthil has handled cinematography. Aravind is the editor, and Saravanan Vadivel has served as associate director. Mari Manoj has choreographed the dance sequences, while Justin Ravi has designed the action sequences. N. Ramasamy Nanjil is the production executive, and Vijay Karthik is the film’s PRO.

The audio and trailer launch of Idhu Namma Kudumbam was held on the evening of October 15 at Prasad Lab, Chennai. Former Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan attended the event as the chief guest and unveiled the audio. Directors R.V. Udayakumar, Perarasu and Subramania Siva were among the special invitees.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan said:

Whenever I am invited to an event, the date is usually fixed at least 15 days in advance. However, Chaitanya Sankaran invited me just 48 hours before this event. I decided to attend because the film is titled Idhu Namma Kudumbam (‘This Is Our Family’). It is a happy occasion.

We have director R.V. Udayakumar on one side and director Perarasu on the other. Both are accomplished filmmakers. I would like to say that the lotus hopes to rise like the morning sun on one side and become an empire on the other. I am sitting in the middle, and I hope to come to the state as well. That is one of the reasons I came here.

My connection with cinema is largely because I live in Saligramam. I do not watch many films. Coming from a political family, I concentrated more on academics and never developed a great interest in cinema. In those days, educated people entered politics. Today, actors are entering politics.

When I was studying in medical college, our own lives were so full of stories that we hardly had time to listen to other people’s stories. There is an anecdote about a film director who approached a doctor and asked him to write a story for a film. The doctor asked why he should write a story. The director replied, ‘I have already started telling the story, but I cannot finish it. Since you have helped bring many people’s stories to an end, please finish mine as well!’ Of course, the doctor did not come to write the film’s story.

“The issue addressed in the film includes the consequences of alcohol consumption. As doctors, we know very well how alcohol damages the liver. Its effects can be devastating, much like the way political parties attack one another. Nevertheless, the song featured in the film was good. Sankaran has taken on several responsibilities, including production, direction and songwriting.

Someone once told me that songs from the olden days were much better than today’s songs. We seem to have moved from composing tunes for lyrics to making songs primarily for money. However, Idhu Namma Kudumbam appears to be a good film with meaningful messages. It portrays deeply distressing situations and shows how people can overcome them. My congratulations to the director, Sankaran. I hope he makes many more films.

Cinema is a rapidly growing industry that demands enormous hard work. We may watch a film and casually say that it was not good, but I understand how much effort and dedication go into making one. Having been involved in film editing myself, I know how much work goes into a film.

Regardless of the profession we belong to, we must give importance to our health. When people in the film industry pass away unexpectedly, I often wonder whether they have been taking proper care of themselves. Whatever heights we reach in our careers, we must ensure that our health remains good.

“I am a great admirer of lyricist Na. Muthukumar’s songs. When he passed away, I visited his home even though I had no personal connection with him. I went because his songs meant so much to me. We must take care of our health.

“My father and I belonged to different political parties, and there were times when we did not even speak to each other. Nevertheless, I was the one who looked after him in his final years, and that is something I am proud of.

“There is a story about an elderly man who visits a mobile phone shop because he believes his phone is not working. After examining it, the shopkeeper tells him that the phone is perfectly fine. The elderly man then asks why his son and daughter have not called him. The shopkeeper explains that the problem is not with the phone, but with his children not calling him. Even then, the father assumes that something must be wrong with his phone rather than with his children. That is the nature of a parent’s love.

“No matter how famous or successful we become, we must take care of our families, especially our parents. Whatever difficulties we face, we must stand by our families. Despite having several commitments, I came here because of the title Idhu Namma Kudumbam.

“Family is essential both to the individual and to the nation. If we maintain healthy family relationships, many problems can be resolved. We must live with kindness and consideration for one another. When someone is struggling, offer them a few comforting words.

“I hope Idhu Namma Kudumbam reaches audiences and becomes a major success. Otherwise, the very meaning of its title would be lost. I wish the film great success, and I hope to attend its 100th-day celebration as well.”

Speaking at the event, G. Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu State President of the Unorganised Workers’ Wing, said:

“Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, who attended this event as the chief guest, is a wonderful person. I have watched and enjoyed many of Anand Babu’s films. He could have become a doctor, but he chose to become an actor. His presence as the protagonist of Idhu Namma Kudumbam adds considerable value to the film. His involvement itself makes me eager to watch it.

“When we look at the directors, actors, actresses, music composers and the many workers behind the scenes, we realise that cinema represents an enormous collective effort. The investment and hard work involved are substantial. For all this effort to be commercially viable, films must reach audiences and perform well at the box office.

“Cinema reflects the issues that exist in society, and society’s concerns are often reflected in cinema. As a youngster, I even received beatings from my father for going to the cinema. That is how passionate I was about films.

“Success in any field requires a strong support system. In this case, the director’s wife has been an important source of support. I believe everyone who has worked on this film will achieve success. I wish Idhu Namma Kudumbam a grand victory.”

Director and producer Chaitanya Sankaran said:

“The very title Idhu Namma Kudumbam brings me happiness. Madam mentioned that cinema itself is our family, and I believe that is true. I would like to thank every artist and technician who worked hard to bring this film to life.

“I am grateful to directors Perarasu, R.V. Udayakumar and Subramania Siva for attending this event and blessing us with their presence. We need everyone’s cooperation and support for this film to succeed. I am confident that the media will help take the film to audiences in a positive way.

“I request everyone to watch the film on the big screen and extend their support.”

Director R.V. Udayakumar said:

“I am happy that we have come together for a family-oriented film. Chaitanya Sankaran is a member of the Tamil Nadu Directors’ Association. I have only now realised how influential he is! He seems to have a strong political background. I was invited just a day before the event, yet so many people have turned up. That tells you something about his reach.

“I was supposed to become a doctor. The admission fee was ₹4,500, but my father could not afford it. As a result, I became a film director. Had that money been available, I might have ended up practising medicine in some corner of Coimbatore. The person who scored the next highest mark went on to build a hospital in Erode, but very few people there may know him beyond a few streets. Today, people across the world know me. That is the power of the arts.

“Madam Tamilisai mentioned that actors are entering politics today. However, educated people are also entering politics. Educated people understand whom to support, when to support them and how to recognise leadership. The people of Tamil Nadu have made their choice, and they have elected our Chief Minister, Vijay. That is the strength of the film industry.

“Opportunities do not come without a reason. Perhaps destiny had already decided that I should not become a doctor, despite having the opportunity. Similarly, perhaps destiny had written that Vijay, who studied visual communication, would become Chief Minister.

“For the past 50 years, cinema has played a major role in Tamil Nadu’s political and social life. Cinema is not an ordinary medium. There is hardly any subject that films have not addressed. M.G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan conveyed countless meaningful messages through their films. Cinema has taught people about sibling affection, family problems, raising children and becoming better human beings.

“Cinema has contributed many good things to society. Some people ask why those from the film industry should enter politics. I would ask them why not. People from cinema have made significant contributions to public life. C.N. Annadurai became Chief Minister after writing stories and dialogues for films. M. Karunanidhi, who wrote the dialogues for Velaikkaari, also became Chief Minister. M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, who acted in films, went on to become Chief Ministers. Vijay, who grew up watching cinema, has now become Chief Minister as well. That is the reality of the connection between cinema and the people.

“People sometimes hesitate to give their daughters in marriage to those in the film industry. But many people from cinema lead responsible family lives. The film industry is a relatively close-knit world, where people are conscious that their actions are constantly observed. I want to place on record that people in cinema can lead disciplined and responsible lives.

“I believe Idhu Namma Kudumbam will be a good film. The songs are excellent. I have seen Anand Babu dance, and now I have seen him perform as an actor in this film. He has done a wonderful job.

“Nagesh was an extraordinary actor who could express every emotion convincingly. Anand Babu, his son, deserves to have been much higher in his career. He should have reached even greater heights. Many of the dance movements that Prabhu Deva and others later popularised were performed by Anand Babu earlier. He has performed very well in this film, and I extend my best wishes to him.

“Sajitha, who plays his wife, has also performed well. Mahanadhi Shankar has delivered a different and impressive performance. I wish the entire team a tremendous success.”

Lead actor Anand Babu said:

“Greetings to everyone. I thank Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Radhakrishnan, directors R.V. Udayakumar, Perarasu and Subramania Siva, and everyone else who has honoured this important event with their presence.

“This is a different kind of film. It contains several scenes that help audiences understand the true meaning of Idhu Namma Kudumbam.

“I, too, was supposed to become a doctor, but destiny had other plans. I was expected to study medicine in Bengaluru, but I wanted to pursue dance more seriously. I eventually received a film opportunity, and that film became a major success. That is how I became an actor.

“I also have a small request for the journalists here. The one lesson my father taught me was never to be easily satisfied. I approach every film as another step forward and a milestone in my career. This film is another milestone for me. I request the press to support the film and help me cross this milestone successfully.”

Sajitha said:

“Greetings to everyone present here. Thank you for coming and supporting my first film as a heroine. I am grateful to director Chaitanya Sankaran for giving me this opportunity.

“Soon after I completed my work on this film, cancer became a major challenge in my life. I never imagined that I would stand here today. I have fought cancer and come through that difficult phase, and I never thought I would have the opportunity to stand here and speak.

“I do not know exactly what to say, so I have shared what happened in my life. In Idhu Namma Kudumbam, we portray the struggles people face in their lives. I have spoken about the difficulties I experienced, while many others continue to suffer in silence.

“I request everyone to support this film. Thank you.”

Director Perarasu said:

“Sajitha spoke for only a short while, but her words moved us deeply. She has overcome cancer, and I am confident that she will continue on a successful journey. Actress Manisha Koirala also battled cancer and went on to continue her successful career. I believe Sajitha will follow a similar path. Her words have given us hope and inspiration.

“I thank Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan for attending the event and offering her wishes. When she said that educated people entered politics in the past and actors are entering politics today, I would add that people in politics have also started acting!

“I worked as an assistant director on a film featuring Nagesh. Later, I worked as an assistant director on a film starring Anand Babu. Now, I have acted in a film featuring Anand Babu’s son. It is a matter of pride for me to have been associated with films featuring three generations of actors.

“Today, a film’s title can determine a significant part of its appeal. Idhu Namma Kudumbam is a beautiful title, and it is a reason in itself to watch the film. All the songs are excellent. Listening to them reminded me of the legendary lyricist Kannadasan. The songs feature meaningful lyrics that complement the film’s family-oriented story.

“Today’s families are increasingly spending time with their mobile phones. A family should share happiness, sadness and worries, but now everyone seems to be occupied with a phone. Mobile phones are becoming a reason for family members to grow apart. People sit together physically but live in isolation, each absorbed in their own device.

“If our country is to progress while preserving its culture, traditions and family values, I have a request for both the Central and State Governments: mobile phone talk-time facilities should be restricted. We should bring back the days when people inserted a one-rupee coin into a public telephone to make a call. In my view, mobile phones are also contributing to problems affecting women. If Idhu Namma Kudumbam is to represent a healthy family, we must reconsider how much time we spend on our phones.

“Director Chaitanya Sankaran is trying to convey a meaningful message through this film. Filmmakers have a responsibility to make audiences recognise wrongdoing in society. If something harmful happens, a director should help people understand its consequences rather than present it as acceptable. We should support good values instead of justifying harmful behaviour.

“Idhu Namma Kudumbam appears to be a film that celebrates healthy relationships and meaningful values. Even the songs suggest that the film explores important themes: how an elder brother should behave, how a father should raise his children, what relationships mean and why culture matters. A director’s responsibility is to communicate such ideas to society. I congratulate Chaitanya Sankaran for choosing this title and attempting to deliver a positive message.

“It is encouraging to see small films with meaningful messages finding support from audiences this year. Films such as Mandadi, Motha Rathiri and Viswanath & Sons have received attention. Audiences have supported them because they offer something worthwhile. I believe people will support Idhu Namma Kudumbam as well, and I wish it great success.”

Actor Mahanadhi Shankar said:

“Thank you to everyone who has blessed and supported Idhu Namma Kudumbam. For a long time, audiences have seen me primarily in negative roles, so some people find it difficult to accept me in a positive character. In cinema, once an actor becomes associated with a particular type of role, filmmakers tend to keep offering similar characters.

“Director Chaitanya Sankaran gave me the opportunity to play a different kind of role. When I saw Anand Babu on the sets, I was reminded of the Michael Jackson I had watched and admired. It is difficult to find a person as kind as Chaitanya Sankaran. He has worked extremely hard and taken considerable risks to make this film.

“My character in this film is a good person. It has been 15 years since I turned towards playing positive characters, and it took me 12 years to make that transition. A family can remain happy only when its head takes responsibility and leads it well.

“This film conveys many messages, and my character also communicates an important one. At a time when films with meaningful messages are needed, I believe audiences should watch and support this film. Thank you.”

Director Subramania Siva said:

“After filmmakers such as K.S. Gopalakrishnan, Visu and Sekar, it is heartening to see Chaitanya Sankaran coming forward to tell stories about family relationships.

“The family system emerged alongside settled human communities. During the days when people lived by hunting, family structures were very different. Today, however, family relationships are breaking down. Education is sometimes blamed for this because people become financially independent and begin to prefer living separately. We must use our wisdom to preserve and strengthen family bonds.

“The Mahabharata teaches us the importance of unity among relatives and the consequences of family divisions. The Ramayana also highlights the importance of unity among brothers. I believe Chaitanya Sankaran has attempted to convey the importance of protecting family relationships through this film.

“Anand Babu is a talented actor whose place in cinema remains special. I hope he continues to act in many more films. The music director has done commendable work, and the songs are excellent. I wish the film tremendous success.”

Music director K. Balachandran said:

“I would like to thank Chaitanya Sankaran for giving me this opportunity. Music is an ocean, and I have only just begun to swim in it. One lifetime is not enough to explore its depth. I request everyone to support the film and help it succeed. Thank you.”

Actress Sonia Das said:

“I have acted in several films, but I completed my work on this film even before some of my other projects. I thank Sankaran sir for giving me this opportunity. I played Anand Babu’s daughter in the film and learnt a great deal from him.

“I am grateful to Sankaran sir for creating this opportunity for me. I hope Idhu Namma Kudumbam becomes a film that every family can relate to. Thank you.”

Actor Muthukaalai said:

“I thank director and producer Chaitanya Sankaran for giving me the opportunity to act in Idhu Namma Kudumbam. During a time when earning even five rupees in Madras was difficult, he called me over and gave me an advance without hesitation.

“My current circumstances have a connection with the themes explored in this film. Nagesh has always been my role model, and it is a great happiness for me to have acted in a film featuring his son, Anand Babu. I request everyone to support the film and help it succeed.”

Distributor Jenish said:

“I had the opportunity to watch Idhu Namma Kudumbam with my family, and the film made us think deeply. The director has chosen an excellent cast, and every scene gives audiences something to relate to. The actors have lived their characters on screen.

“This is a film that should be watched in its entirety. It offers thoughts about how we should live and the things we should avoid in life. We are working to take the film to the next level. I believe it will connect with audiences and become a film for the people. Thank you.”

Actress Aishwarya said:

“I thank director Sankaran sir for giving me an opportunity in this film, including a song sequence. My thanks also go to dance master Mari Manoj and Siddik sir.

“It was a pleasure to act alongside Anand Babu and perform in a dance sequence. Idhu Namma Kudumbam is not merely a story; it reflects the history of our lives and relationships. I request everyone to watch the film in theatres and extend their support.”