I would rather let the official information come from the producer's side. I've the highest respect and regards for Shankar sir. He has taken Tamil cinema to a new level. I would have loved to work with him, but there are some date hassles.
Your Kavalan seems to be engulfed in controversies. What's the latest update on the film?
Controversies are part and parcel of making a big film. As far as Kavalan is concerned, Vidyasagar will be finishing the re-recording soon and the film will be ready for release this month. The melodious music of the film is already a hit.
Are you entering politics?
At the moment, I'm happy and content being an actor. I can't stop people from writing imaginative stories about me entering politics.
How has Kavalan shaped up?
Siddique is a master of light-hearted comedies containing all the ingredients of entertainment. Actually, he wanted to make the film in Tamil first, but I was able to do it only after it was made as Bodyguard in Malayalam. The film is going to rock big time as he has successfully got the right mix of romance, comedy and sentiments in it.
Is it a scene-by-scene remake of Bodyguard?
We have changed 75 per cent of the first half and made some minor corrections to suit Tamil nativity in the second half. The comedy in the first half between the three of us —Vadivel, Asin and me — will be a scream. Even today, people tell me that the slapstick humour in Friends is the most viewed comedy track on television. Siddique knows the art of mixing slapstick with genuine humour. In the second half, there are unexpected twists leading to a climax that will pull at your heartstrings. I would rate the climax of Kavalan to be as good as any of my earlier hits like Kadhalukku Mariyadhai and Thullatha Mannamum Thullum.
What is the status of Velayudham?
I've got a great team for the film — director Jayam Raja, producer Aascar Ravichandran, Genelia and Hansika, and a new actor from Mumbai who is playing the villain. It is an out-and-out mass film laced with some peppy songs by Vijay Antony. We have completed about 50 per cent of the film. It will be my summer 2011 release.
