We earlier reported that director Sami is set to make a movie starring Raj Kiran. The title for the movie is changed as Sariththiram, as the earlier title 'Ayyanar' is deemed as a 'dangerous' one in terms of fortunes.
Ayyanar or Sathanar worship is a very ancient ancestral clan-based worship system linked to nature and fertility worship. The system is still prevailing in rural Tamil Nadu
Naming a film after Ayyanar, the village Deity, who is revered as Kaaval Theyvam (the deity who protects the village), is considered as a risky affair in the film industry. Some experienced persons in the field are said to have advised Sami to change the name citing many bad experiences of those who dared to name their film after the Deity. Parthibhan, for example, conducted a pooja in a very grand manner for his film 'Karuppannasami' (another name for the Deity). The film was shelved after one week's shooting.
Those who believe this sentiment cite more examples. Director Thiruppathisamy, who directed 'Narasimma' (name of another local Deity), died in an accident even before the project was completed. Likewise, Saran, who produced 'Muni', had to shut down the production unit after producing the movie.
Some might believe this sentiment and some might not but the fact remains that no one wants to take risk in cine field, where huge money and the livelihood of hundreds of actors and technicians are involved. So, Sami, wanting to go safe, has opted for a change and named his film as 'Sariththiram'.
Though everything is ready, Sami is now waiting for his ban to direct movies to get revoked.