I needed a performer, rather than a star: P Vasu

Acclaimed filmmaker P. Vasu, who was on a hiatus from Tamil flicks after a few of his films turned out to be duds, is back with the remake of his super hit Kannada movie Shivalinga. Reprising Shivarajkumar’s role in Tamil is Raghava Lawrence.

Vasu says that he wanted a fresh face rather than a star for the female lead and hence chose Ritika Singh of Irudhi Suttru fame. The film will be having the same title — Shivalinga.

Ask him if he approached Rajini with whom he gave the record breaking Chandramukhi  for the crime thriller, Vasu categorically denies. “I never approached him for this film. Of course, he is my well-wisher and has supported me. He would watch all my movies out of interest. Hence, I screened Shivalinga for him.”

He adds, “When I told Rajini sir that Lawrence is acting in the movie, he was very happy about it. He also remarked that our combo would work. And it was only Lawrence who was in my mind right from the beginning. As far as Ritika is concerned, I was  floored by her natural performance in IS. I also wanted someone with full of energy for my leading lady. When I met her, I narrated the entire script and did not show her the film.” His son Shakthi Vasu who acted in the original, essays the same vital character in Tamil. “A dove appears in a crucial character and we have taken permission from Animal Welfare Board,” he reveals. “It is mandatory to submit the script to AWFB for getting a censorship, although several shots are done in graphics and green mat.” Vadivelu is joining hands with him in this film. Thaman composes the music and Das is behind the camera for this Tamil-Telugu bilingual.