‘Give it love’: Simbu champions ‘Modha Rathri’, calls for stronger support for small-budget Tamil cinema
In a significant boost for independent Tamil cinema, superstar Simbu has publicly championed the rural comedy-entertainer Modha Rathri. Following his screening of the film, the actor took to social media to praise director Raja Karuppasamy’s work while issuing a heartfelt plea to both audiences and producers to better nurture homegrown, small-budget projects.
A call for industry equity
Simbu’s endorsement highlighted a recurring concern within the film industry: the visibility gap between big-ticket spectacles and smaller, content-driven films. Despite positive word-of-mouth, many high-quality, modest-budget films struggle to compete in an oversaturated market.
“A small request to our producers too… films like these need that extra push to reach the audience. Good content deserves to be discovered,” Simbu noted. He drew a sharp comparison between how Tamil audiences often reserve their most vocal enthusiasm for acclaimed international or non-Tamil language films, while sometimes overlooking the innovative storytelling happening in their own backyard.
Praising the ‘Modha Rathri’ craft
The actor expressed genuine admiration for the film’s execution, particularly noting its narrative structure. “Watched Modha Rathri and really enjoyed it. When a Tamil film attempts something fresh with a new team, I feel we should give it the same love and support,” he wrote.
Simbu specifically lauded the film’s screenplay, which chronicles the chaotic events of a single night surrounding a village wedding. He praised the director for balancing humor with authentic character moments, noting, “The writing, the humor, and the characters were all handled really well.”
About the film
Modha Rathri, which hit theatres on August 21, has been gaining momentum for its relatable humor and unexpected narrative twists. The film serves as the debut vehicle for leading man Rishikanth, who stars opposite Anishma Anilkumar. The ensemble cast—featuring seasoned performers like Chetan, A. Venkatesh, Bucks, Abdool Lee, and Shelly Kishore—has been widely praised for grounding the film’s zany premise in reality.
By throwing his weight behind this project, Simbu has provided a much-needed spotlight for Modha Rathri, potentially shifting the tide for the film as it fights to secure its place in the box office. His intervention serves as a reminder of the vital role established stars play in helping fresh talent and smaller productions find the audience they deserve.
