Kamal: 'Films that dig deep into your self can be exhausting'

'My contribution to Uttama Villain is going to make me proud.'

'The narrative style is very new. It is a family entertainer with its share of bittersweet moments.'

After his ambitious thriller Vishwaroopam released amidst much controversy in 2013, Kamal Haasan is back with Uttama Villain, a comedy drama directed by Ramesh Arvind and written by Kamal Haasan himself.

The actor-filmmaker discusses his new film with Subhash K Jha, takes stock of elder daughter Shruti Haasan's career and discusses the Vishwaroopam sequel.

Image: Kamal Haasan in Uttama Villain.

How fascinating was it for you to explore the dual personality theme?

It's a not a double role. These two roles are portrayed by a megastar in the movies. It is a glimpse of the life of an actor.

I originally wanted to name it Bitter Chocolate, but I refrained. There is a punitive tax levied by our state government for naming a film in any other language, but Tamil.

Your get-up in the film has created a lot of buzz.

I guess the elaborate Theyyam costume and make-up have fueled discussions.

This nearly 12-century-old art is still practised in Kerala. Unlike other art forms that have turned commercial and are being monetised, Theyyam has stayed within the confines of temple grounds.

The film boasts of an ensemble cast.

I have an extraordinary ensemble cast which includes my late guru and mentor K Balachander.

This is my 37th film with him. The only difference is that he did not write or direct it. I wrote the screenplay and Ramesh Arvind directed it.

The film has brilliant performances by all the actors.

Interestingly, your film comes during the same week as the Akshay Kumar starrer Gabbar Is Back, named after the most iconic Bollywood villain. Is this a new beginning for screen villains?

It makes no sense connecting the two films releasing on the same day.

Both are different in terms of language, genre, style and content. The only connection between the two is the Haasan name (laughs).

Gabbar Is Back stars your elder daughter Shruti. This is a good time to ask you about what you feel about her headway in Bollywood.

While her progress in the Hindi film world is impressive, she has miles to go to please either of us. 'Glad' would suffice for now for a reaction.

Uttama Villain is yet another film in which you push acting boundaries. How fulfilling has this role been?

My contribution to Uttama Villain is something that is going to make me proud.

I have a feeling this film will rank amongst the best screenplays of my career.

The narrative style is very new, at least among all the films I have done.

It is a family entertainer with its share of bittersweet moments.

The film, while engaging, doesn't have elaborate fights or car chases.

The most challenging film as an actor you've worked in?

Obviously, an actor would name a film that has been physically grueling as their most difficult assignment.

In my case, films that dig deep into your self can be as exhausting as physical strain. Uttama Villain is one such film. The protagonist is a film actor like me, so it is very relatable.

How has work on Vishwaroopam 2 progressed?

Vishwaroopam 2 is complete except for the CGI work.

It will release in Hindi and Tamil.