CHENNAI: Ace director Shankar has showered praises on debut director Suresh Rajakumari's critically acclaimed film 'Sirai', saying that the film "really moved him to tears in many places."

 Taking to his X timeline, Shankar, who is considered one of the leading directors in the Tamil and Telugu film industries, wrote, "#Sirai- Such a good film. Really moved me to tears in many places. Loved all the characters and their performances which stayed with me after the film."

The director then went on to shower praise on each of the artistes, who had done outstanding work in the film. He wrote, "@iamVikramPrabhu gave a staunch performance throughout the film. #LKAkshayKumar and #AnishmaAnilkumar’s acting captured their character’s innocence and emotions beautifully."

Shankar then went on to congratulate the film's producer, saying, " My heartfelt wishes to the producer #SSLalitKumar for bringing us this gem. Director #SureshRajakumari imprisoned our hearts with his excellent debut. The message in the last scene was solid and very relevant. Tamil Cinema ending the year on a high note."

'Sirai', which has taken a very strong opening at the box office, has come in for widespread praise across sections of the audience. It may be recalled that cricketer Ravichandra Ashwin too had praised the film recently. 

Ashwin, while talking about the film, had said, "Really liked the film a lot. It was a very gripping film. In today's day and age, watching a film without touching one's phone is a big thing. I did not touch my phone while watching this film completely. Fabulous acting actually -- be it Vikram (Prabhu) and Akshay (Kumar) and all the cast members. The way they have built each character, it didn't look like a hero's film at all. It looked like everybody's movie. It was very nice. Refreshing for Tamil cinema!"

For the unaware, the gripping police drama features actors Vikram Prabhu and L K Akshay Kumar in the lead.

It may be recalled that producer S S Lalit Kumar, who was confident about the film's success even before its release, had presented a car to director Suresh Rajakumari for the manner in which he had made the film.

The car was presented to the mother of the director at a pre-release event organised by the makers of the film. Ace director Vetrimaaran, who had mentored director Suresh Rajakumari, presented the key to the car to the director's mother in the presence of several celebrities and mediapersons.

The story of the film, inspired by real life incidents, is by director Tamizh, best known for having directed the critically acclaimed film 'Taanakaran'. Tamizh is believed to have come up with this story based on a personal experience.

Director Suresh Rajakumari, the co-director of well known director Vetrimaran, has written and directed this film.

Vikram Prabhu plays the lead in this film and actress Anantha plays his pair in the film, which will also mark the debut of producer SS Lalit Kumar's son, L K Akshay Kumar, as an actor. Actress Anishma plays Akshay Kumar's pair in the film.

The film has music by well-known music director Justin Prabhakaran. Cinematography for the film is by Madesh Manickam. Editing for the film is by one of the best in the business, Philomin Raj. Stunts have been choreographed by Prabhu. The film has Arun K and Manikandan as its two executive producers.

Shooting for the film took place at various places including Chennai, Sivagangai and Vellore.