‘UTTAMA VILLAIN IS ONE OF MY BEST’
Kamal Haasan on his latest film and what makes it so special
Q: Your look and your dual personality in the trailer have caught everyone’s attention. The film, as every one suspects, is not a dual role as known in the trade. These are roles portrayed by a megastar in movies. I originally wanted to name it Bitter Chocolate but refrained. There is a punitive taxation by our state government for naming a film in any other language but Tamil. Q: Your costume is being extensively discussed...
I guess the get-up that provoked discussion must be the elaborate Thayyam costume and make-up. This is nearly a 12 centuries old art still practiced in Kerala. Unlike other arts that have turned commercial and are being monetised, Thayyam has stayed within the confines of the temple grounds. Q: A word on your co-stars? I have an extraordinary ensemble cast, which includes my late guru and mentor. This is my 37th film with him. The only difference about this 37th is that he did not write and direct it. I wrote the screenplay and Ramesh Arvind directed it. The film has brilliant performances by even the smallest part players. Q: Interestingly your Villain comes in the same week when Akshay Kumar calls himself Gabbar, the most iconic Bollywood villain, in his new film. Is this the beginning of a new phase for the screen villain?
It makes no sense connecting the two films releasing on the same day. The only connection maybe is the Haasan name. Even in that there is this difference of gender. Q: Gabbar Is Back stars your daughter Shruti. What do you feel about her headway in Bollywood?
While her progress in the Hindi film world is impressive, she has miles to go to please either of us. ‘Glad’ would suffice now in form of a reaction. Q: Tell us about the progress on Vishwaroopam 2… VR2 is complete but for the CG work. It will release in Hindi and Tamil. Ghibran, who should have been of VR2 fame, is now being celebrated for his work in Uttama Villain. His national recognition will happen through VR2.
ACTOR KAMAL HAASAN SPEAKS TO SUBHASH K. JHA ABOUT HIS NEW FILM, UTTAMA VILLAIN, WHICH RELEASES