When Sundar C got brutally honest...

Director Sundar C returns to being a full-fledged hero after a gap of five years with the Muthina Kathirika. The filmmaker who tasted success with his horror series Aranmanai talks to DC about why he does not have big heroines as co-stars, while he was able to rope in A-list actresses like Hansika, Trisha and Anushka for his directorial ventures.

Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:

On how Muthina Kathirika happened: I am a compulsive movie watcher and I wouldn’t sleep without watching one film a day. One day, I was watching this Malayalam movie Vellimoonga, which had Biju Menon in the lead and within 10 minutes, I was totally drawn into the script. Then I came to know that this romantic comedy and political satire, was a blockbuster hit in Kerala and I felt the lead protagonist of a middle-aged bachelor would suit my stature. I bought the remake rights.

Reason for choosing his assistant  Venkat to direct: He has been with me for the last six years, and he has learnt the nuances of all the departments of filmmaking. Venkat’s strength lies in the way he pens dialogues. He has made lot of changes in the script keeping the core essence intact. His packaging of the movie especially with the apt casting is extraordinary. As far as I am concerned, before turning an independent filmmaker, one should have at least worked under an ace director in all areas right from story discussion to editing. Otherwise, they will land the producers in a soup.

Directing established heroines, but acting opposite upcoming ones: (Laughs) In the Tamil industry, I have been accepted as a big director and my films have big budgets — that is why I need to cast established stars. However, as an actor, I am a small hero and hence my movie’s budgets are nominal, which warrants only new heroines.

On his co-star Poonam Bajwa: She is a no-nonsense girl and very committed. She is punctual and a hard worker. Unlike other heroines, she does not demand anything. And, she is a good performer.

Kiran back after a gap and as mother to Poonam Bajwa: Yeah, that’s the highlight of the movie. You will know why I chose her to play Poonam’s mom in the film!