Karthi’s dedication amazed me: Lokesh Kanagaraj

Lokesh Kanagaraj, who became an overnight sensation with his very first film , the  hyperlink crime thriller Maanagaram, reveals to DC the reason for not having a heroine in Kaithi, and how he landed up with Karthi, for the script, which was written keeping another actor in mind.

“Even as I conceived the script, it did not command a lady lead and there was no scope to include the heroine character as well. You will know when you watch the film,” Lokesh asserts to DC.

Is he fond of darkness as both his film Maanagaram and Kaithi happen at night? “Not really! After Maanagaram, I wrote a script and this question wouldn’t have arisen if that had materialised. However, my next film with Vijay sir is totally different.”

On Karthi’s dedication he says, “When we designed his looks, people said it resembled Paruthi Veeran. We have taken lot of measures to see that it should not happen at any point to time in the film. Karthi’s hard work and dedication is amazing.”

Responding to a query on whether he had another actor in mind when he did the script, Lokesy admits, “Yes, I had Mansoor Ali Khan in mind then. After completing the full script, producer SR Prabhu said why don’t we try this film with a big hero and initiated talks with Karthi. Impressed with it and keeping faith with the story, Karthi sir agreed.”

However, despite persuasion, he was tight lipped about his next film with Vijay with a working title Thalapathy 64.