Vallauvar Kotam’s huge campus-with its huge chariot, has set tone for large-scale carved wheels and mirror-shin floors-tone for film song sequences. , Photo Credit: Akhila Ezavaran
At the center of Chennai, the huge stone chariot showing the statue of ancient Tamil poet Thiruwalvar at Valluwar Kottam has been a silent witness for countless public functions and cultural programs and sometimes, for the magic of cinema under its shadow.
The way reputed landmarks have long been a familiar background for political rallies and protest meetings, the huge campus of the monument-its huge chariots, massively carved wheels and mirror-shin floors have set tone for soft-book song sequences filmed under lights-the lights filmed under light.
One of the most memorable on-screen moments shot in Valluvar Kottam is one of the timeless songs Mounamana neram In tamil film Salangai OliKamal Haasan and Jaya Prada starring. The sequence opens with granite wheels and its complex texture that dominates the frame and creates a cool atmosphere in the sink with the soft raga of the song. Shiny floors, mirroing the silhouette of actors in some shots, lends an ideal scene in harmony with songs and moods.
The grandeur of Kottam on Thursday has been depicted in several other Tamil films since the 1980s. So far in another popular couple Sir Kondu Wa From the film Naan Padum PadalThe specialty of actors Shivkumar and Ambika, the royal granite elephants at the base of the chariot and the pillars with brown and black colored corridors form Regal Backdrops that complement the attraction of the lead pair.
Spread over five acres, Valluwar Kottam was constructed as a memorial monument for Tamil poet Thiruvaluvarwar between 1974 and 1976. Architect V. Ganpati was designed by Stapathi. It is also shown in comedy scenes Coimbatore MapillaiActors Vijay and Gundamani were in a public place as unemployed characters.
The daughter -in -law of ALS Productions and daughter -in -law of experienced producer Al Srinivasan recalled memories Ponnar ShankarA Tamil historical drama film starring Prasanth. Many scenes of the film, which former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was based on the novel, was shot in Valuvar Kottam. “I used to visit the set on a large scale, which an ancient city was rebuilded, which carried swords and bows with traditional homes and warriors. It used to take me to a past era and some scenes were shot in the main hall. The set lived for three or four months. Kalignar often visited the shooting spots,” he said.
Recently, the monument. A major aspect was found at a cost of 80 crores.
Published – August 16, 2025 01:14 AM IST
