This Diwali is special: What comes to my mind first is togetherness and happiness. Secondly, films. We have a large extended family and all my cousins will come to our place in Chennai and anna and I would wait for the D-day. It used to be a great get-together and those days, bursting crackers was the biggest fun as a child.
Later, when I came to higher classes, our interest shifted to movies. Since dad was a busy actor then, we will never miss any of the Diwali releases. The best part is we would get to watch all shows two to three days prior to the release at special screenings. And discuss the story proudly to other friends (Smiles).
Normally, it is difficult to get a Diwali date for a film’s release. So, this Diwali is special to me as my film Kaithi is getting released on this festival.
Kaithi is akin to Die Hard and Speed: Lokesh had approached Kaithi with the script, which he said was an action film with a strong content, sans heroine and song routines. The lead protagonist is in the jail for 10 years and when he wants to see the outside world and what happens next is the crux. Even as he narrated the story, I was wondering as how will be the mindset of a man who goes to prison without even seeing his newborn (who is now 10 years) and trying to see his daughter now. There are a lot of emotional scenes. The whole thing was a process and I felt there’s an amazing stuff in Lokesh’s script and gave my nod, as I was also confident he would deliver the product. Within 20 minutes of start, the climax will begin. It’s a high action commercial thriller something similar to Hollywood actioners Speed and Die Hard.
The film has lot of mass heroic moments and there are a plenty of fan elements and massy theatrical experiences.
It is Bigil Vs Kaithi at the BO: Earlier, many films will get released during Diwali, which is reduced now. Every film has got its own space and will run on its merits. Even as Kaithi's trailer was released, it went viral and there is lot of expectations for the film. Moreover, Lokesh is directing Vijay in his next and the anticipation is multi-fold. I am happy.
Handling hits and misses: Apparently, hit and profits are two different things. Even if a film was not received that well, it would have still collected money at the box office and there are other avenues like satellite and OTT platforms for revenue generation. . Initially, it was tough to handle failures. However, I am matured now. What I learnt through my experiences was the time of release was very important. Always, it is not the content alone, but everyone in the team has to have equal responsibility. So, I can’t blame myself! I am not a saint, having invested myself a lot in a movie, if it fails, it does affect me. But I move on.
Setting an example of what he advises: Yes, Suriya and I always insist that students take care of their parents and keep them happy. After both of us got busy in films, though we get together for family functions, each one would attend from different destinations. We never travel together anywhere. I think, we all went together 30 years back. So, it was my anni Jyotika who gave this idea of our family - I, appa, amma, Suriya and sister Brindha - travel together and go for a holiday. We went to Rome and spent quality time for nine days. My mom does not have any preferences of her own. But this trip just being with three of us was great for her. She seemed very happy and contended (smiles).
Teaming up with his mentor Mani Ratnam again: Bringing Ponniyin Selvan on to the celluloid has been a dream of many film personalities for years. Finally, it is materializing now through Mani sir. As a movie buff, I am extremely glad. And being part of the epic movie is a bonus to me (laughs).
