The film Malaiyur Mambattiyan, which released in 1983, still remains as one of the biggest hit films in the career of actor Thiagarajan. The bearded Thiagarajan later turned a director-producer and has directed a few films starring his son and actor Prashanth. His latest directorial venture is Mambattiyan, a remake of Malaiyur Mambattiyan, which he believes would revive the sagging fortunes of actor Prashanth.

‘Maestro’ Ilayaraja’s music and songs (a couple of them sung by him) contributed in no small measure to the huge success of Malaiyur Mambattiyan. The film, directed by the late Rajasekar, went on to become a huge hit in Tamil Nadu. Later, when it was remade in Hindi as Gangwaa, superstar Rajinikanth played the hero opposite Shabana Azmi. The Hindi version, which had an ‘item number’ by Sarika, also turned out to be a super-hit one.

More than 25 years, the film has now been remade as Mambattiyan with Prashanth and MeeraJasmine in the lead. The film has been produced under Thiagarajan’s banner Lakshmi Santhi Movies. “I believe the film would give to my son as much popularity and name as the original version gave me,” says a confident-looking Thiagarajan and adds that his son has performed the role admirably.

Out of the four songs, Simbu has sung a song. The song Kaattuvazhi pora ponnae, sung by Ilaiyaraaja in the original version, has been given a sleek look by music director Thaman in the latest version in Simbu’s voice. The trailer, which was released recently, came in for praise from many quarters. Shaji Kumar, who worked as the cinematographer in Ponnar Shankar, has done a pretty nice work in Mambattiyan as well.

Thiagarajan concludes by saying “I have incorporated the necessary changes in the script to suit the tastes of today’s trend. I’m hopeful that Prashanth would get the much-needed ‘break’ with this film!”