Isn't writing a screenplay based on your personal experience like exposing yourself in front of the world?
Yes, to a certain extent. Ideally, people around me may not like that. It is not only about you but about some other people too. I have opened up a little bit in the film but I have always been like that. Somehow, I think every filmmaker puts in a lot of himself in the protagonist. But I have kept a check also.
It is a very realistic film. I made this film only because every person will identify with the protagonist. It need not be my story, it can be anybody's story. When I showed the film to a couple of people, they said, we want to go and talk to our father.
Are you nervous because you have put in a lot of yourself in the film?
Absolutely. I am very nervous. I am nervous about every film of mine. Three weeks before the release, I feel very negative about my films. Today when I sat back, detached myself and watched the film, it touched me. All those who watched with me liked it. The Censor Board also said that it's a work of art. But I don't know how commercial it is. I hope it will appeal to the people of Usilampatti and Theni also because there is a father and son relationship in this. I hope it will touch a politician as well as a rickshaw puller.
Why did you decide to have Surya as the protagonist?
We are good friends. We know each other very well. Now, when I see the film, I can't see anybody else doing the role. I maintain that Surya is the most versatile actor in the business today. He may be insecure, he may be a little fussy, he may be a little short tempered but he is a director's dream.
He never says, 'change the script for me'. If he likes the script, he gives everything, even stand on his head. In fact, we really made him stand on his head in the film! (laughs)
Now I am scared to work with another actor. I am hesitant to put in my next step unless of course, it is Kamal Haasan. You don't have to worry about anything at all when you are working with him. You have to only tell him and he will do it.
I am not saying I am Richard Attenborough or Martin Scorsese but when I am the director, the hero should adhere to my script. I can't look beyond Surya now.
Also Read: Surya's fab abs!
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