K Bhagyaraj, the successful director of eighties, has come down heavily on the heroes of present day. He took them to task for their approach towards new directors.
The occasion was the audio launch of Sakkarakatti held in Chennai last week. The movie launches Bhagyaraj’s son Santhanu as hero and producer Kalai Puli Thanu’s son Kala Prabhu as a director.

Bhagyaraj gave vent to his feelings in front of veterans K. Balachander and Barathiraja. He started his speech in his usual comical style and then switched over to serious things. He advised his son not to ignore or insult young directors or assistant directors who are struggling for a break through their first film. He went on to reflect on the approach of today’s leading heroes towards new directors.

“Nowadays most of the top heroes say that they are not ready to act under any new directors. This is not a right thing to be done by any hero. Had Balachander thought this way, there wouldn’t be a Rajini or Kamal. Had Barathiraja, my mentor, thought so, I would have never become an actor”, said the veteran.

He remarked with his typical sarcasm that today's heroes are brave only on the screen. But in real life, according to Bhagyaraj, they are cowards. He recalled that it was the new director Bala who made everyone realize the talents of Vikram , who went on to get National award for his acting for his performance under the same director. “But Vikram now says that he doesn't want to do any experiment with debutants. This is very dangerous”, warned Bhagyaraj.

The function was graced by the presence of Tamil Film Producers Council president Rama Narayanan, Film Chamber President KRG, Directors K.S. Ravikumar, Ameer, Vikraman, Dharani, Raja, Jayam Ravi, and Sibiraj.

Sakkarakkatti, Directed by newcomer Kala Prabhu, is said to be a colourful and joyful youth carnival. The songs screened in the event impressed everyone. They also showcased the hard work done by Soundarya Rajinikanth in Computer Graphics.
The movie is expected to hit the screens by August.