Director Rajesh interview.. “All of us are big Santhanam fans and we missed him a lot”
Director Rajesh had a dream start to his career with three back to back rousing comedy Hits. Then came a little lull which the director handled well. He is now ready for the release of his 6th film, Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru (KIK) with GV Prakash in the lead. Ahead of the Nov 17 release of KIK, Rajesh opens up in this interview to Kaushik LM.
KIK seems like a road movie, inspired by the Hangover films…
“KIK is not a road trip film totally. I felt that making a complete road movie will limit the audience base of my film. In the 2nd half, we have a road episode with chase sequences and all, and it has worked out well. I wanted to do something different in KIK as the trends have changed. My previous film VSOP, though a decent success, wasn’t in the league of my earlier Superhits and taught me that I had to push a little bit. VSOP was in my typical tried and tested space, and though all the scenes were engaging, I understood that the audiences are expecting something new.
Prakash Raj sir has a full-fledged part in KIK’s 2nd half. He liked the story a lot and gave me the examples of Pokkiri and Ghilli, and how he believed in those roles and delivered the necessary comedy. He told me that he had that belief in this part too and came in with a lot of conviction. The film has become bigger thanks to him and he will be a definite plus. Coming to Robo Shankar, he has struggled a lot to come up to this level. He doesn’t want to miss any chance to score now and has that drive and ‘veri’. For the next 10 yrs, he will rule, I feel.
With respect to the girls, the script had the space for two of them and it is my first dual heroine film. Anandhi replaced Hindi TV actress Avika Gor, and I really liked her performance in Enakku Innoru Per Irukku. There is a small horror comedy episode as well. I am working with almost all the actors in the film for the first time. All this has given a new color to the film.”
Did you make KIK specifically for GV or did the script decide the hero?
“I had the script of KIK ready and complete. I really liked what I saw of him in Trisha Illana Nayanthara and GV stood out as a performer, dancer and carried a nice middle class attitude with a local look. I could relate to him for the lead character in KIK and wanted to work with him. He was very apt for this line and he was also much-excited when I narrated the script to him. He fitted in right.”
How badly was Santhanam missed?
“We missed him a lot as all of us (including GV and RJ Balaji) are his big fans. He is a very close friend of mine. He wishes to go to the next level as a hero-producer after being in the comedian space for more than 10 years. I also felt that he can’t handle both hero and comedian parts at the same time. During the making of VSOP, he was also juggling Inimey Ippadithaan and it was very difficult for him. He has proved himself commercially as a hero with Dhillukku Dhuddu, and I will definitely work with him as the lead hero, as I know his strengths well. The lead hero part in KIK didn’t suit him but he was still ready to play the comedian’s role. But I didn’t want to put him through that.”
How has RJ Balaji fitted into the lucrative comedian slot in your films?
“I told Balaji clearly that he is not Santhanam’s replacement. ‘Santa’ is a proven senior whereas Balaji is just starting off. He had a good outing with Naanum Rowdy Dhaan and KIK may be the next level for him. The part will be in his style and strong zones. He has good space to score in this film.”
KIK seems to have spoofed a popular TV reality show. Any potential controversy looming?
“We have not used the same show name (‘Solvathellam Unmai’). It is ‘Pesuvathellam Unmai’ in the film and we’ve changed the host’s name too. We haven’t referred to Lakshmy mam’s show at all. I know her well and don’t mean to spoof her. Urvasi mam has done the role and she is actually doing a similar show in Malayalam. She gave me lots of ideas to develop this segment well.”
Alcohol scenes are a constant in your films. Though they have been ridiculed by a section of the audience, there are plenty of fans too, for these scenes. KIK is reportedly without such scenes. Will that be a missing link?
“That won’t be a missing factor here. The censor officials advised me to not have smoking scenes (after SMS, I’ve been strict on this), the TASMAC setting, boozing scenes, a song glorifying alcohol etc. But there will be no compromises on the scenes and the alcohol effect will get conveyed through the dialogues, instead of visuals. This is just a small social responsibility on my part and there is no need for statutory warnings in KIK.”
After three massive hits and two below-par outings, how do you see things now? It must be a reality check…
“SMS was actually declared a Flop on Day 1 but slowly its success strengthened and the talk reached far and wide. It fetched good theatrical revenue. It introduced a new genre at a time dominated by action films. SMS’ reach helped in Boss’ massive opening and it continues to be a favorite on social media whenever it is played on K TV. Boss got the family audience’s support too while OK OK with Udhay was a summer blockbuster.
Azhaguraja was my fault, as I didn’t use Karthi’s image and market perception properly. Post Siruthai’s big commercial success, I didn’t utilize him well and my script should have given him more elements. I have no regrets with VSOP; it was made on a proper budget and fetched a TN share of 11.5 crores. It can be termed an average Hit. Vaalu, which released alongside, had a big opening and had VSOP released solo, it would have collected even better.”
Your take on the success and current stature of your dear friend Ponram?
“I am very happy for his success. We’ve been friends since long and are constantly involved in discussions. He understands the current rural nativity trend well and delivers. There is no one to cater to that space now. And yes, Siva is a big plus for him with his sincerity and dedication. They are in synch!”
Will you ever try something far-removed from comedy?
“No, it is not possible to break out of the comedy space and try something totally new. I have to change bit by bit. All I want to do is try different entertainment formats within the comedy space. I don’t want to let go of my existing brand.”
Best wishes for another handsome Hit, Rajesh.
Interviewed by Kaushik LM