Actor turned politician Kamal Haasan is a doyen in Indian cinema and has also served as a producer over the course of his glorious career under his Raaj Kamal Films International banner. Likewise, his production house’s upcoming film, Kadaram Kondan, starring ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram in the lead role under Rajesh M. Selva’s direction has been announced to be coming out in theatres on July 19.

Speaking at the Kadaram Kondan trailer launch, the four-time National Award-winning actor was all praise for Vikram and the entire cast and crew of the film, and also spoke in detail about how Tamil films need to go one step further in being recognized by the world. Kamal Haasan stated, “Please don’t just cheer for a good film. Make a good film victorious. Don’t let a good film slip away. Had you let Sethu slip away, Vikram wouldn’t be sitting here on this stage. I can understand the state of his mind and I see him as a confident and strong person now as it is all these successes that are keeping him moving forward. You need to keep encouraging films like this as it is your duty to Tamil cinema. This isn’t just a business, but an impression of our culture. Films cannot be just be given away in the hands of businessmen. There were respected men like S. S. Vasan, the founder of Gemini Studios and A. V. Meiyappan of AVM Productions, who knew the fine line between both filmmaking and business, and made films with patience and responsibility.”

He further went on to add, “The proof for good cinema cannot be seen in people who are counting only money. It is up to you to identify and I too am one among you. I am a responsible fan and that is why Raaj Kamal Films International has stepped into its 45th year and is ever so youthful. I want many producers to step forward like this. If you think I’m arrogantly challenging you, it is your wish. Take up this challenge, make better films than me and elevate Tamil cinema on the world stage. The business will begin to see a boom then. Are we not talking about Avengers making thousand crores? If a Tamil film needs to earn just as much, we too should make our ventures in those standards. I’m very happy that I’m talking on a stage about a complete film.”

Check out Kamal Haasan’s full speech at the Kadaram Kondan trailer launch below: