Kamal Haasan: Without Him, I'd Not Have Done This Film

Movie genius, versatile actor Kamal Haasan is reticent. But when he chooses to speak, he minces no words. Kamal, who was in Hyderabad on Thursday to promote his upcoming film Uttama Villain, turned nostalgic recalling his experience working with his guru, legendary director K. Balachander. 'Without him, I'd not have done this film. Initially he (Balachander) was reluctant to do the film citing his age, but Ramesh and I were keen on having him on board. At one point, he in fact asked both of us that what would we do if he dies in the middle of the making of the film and advised us to cast another actor but we didn't budge. Even on the first day of the shooting, Balachander garu told me to replace him with any other actor expressing doubts over his health. I told him that I would change the story if he dies suddenly as I've learnt that skill from him only. He again told me that it's not still late and could replace him with other, but I told him that I'll not do the film without him. Only after this, he agreed to do the film,' shared Kamal.

This is not all. There are many more memorable experiences for Kamal on the sets while working with two stalwarts K. Balachander and K. Viswanath during Uttama Villain. Kamal added, 'During the shoot, K. Viswanath has touched the feet of K. Balachander to which Balachander garu stunned and told Viswanath garu that he had seen in internet and he's six months elder to him and shouldn't do it. Viswanath garu humbly replied that his act was not for his age but for his work. Like this, several instances took place off the reel during the filming of Uttama Villain. I'm the witness for such memorable events.'

Kamal Haasan went on to say that Uttama Villain is an accumulation of best actors and stated that even actors with less-duration roles performed well. Giving a sneak peek about the film, Kamal said, 'There are neither bloody fights in the film, nor unnecessary car flipping over scenes. Yet the film makes for good watch and it's complete commercial entertainer. It boasts finest work. Both director Ramesh and me are not just good friends but we both came from same school - K Balachander's school.'

Kamal Haasan is good hero (Uttama Kadhanayukudu). Ask him what prompted him to title the film as Uttama Villain? Pat comes reply. 'Villain is just a point of view of someone. For someone, one will be villain and for others he would be hero. Even Raavan would be hero to his wife Mandodari and son Indrajith.'

Adding more, director Ramesh Aravind stated, 'Uttama Villain has two stories to tell. One story is set in 8th Century and another story is set in 21st Century. While Kamal will be seen as a great dancer in 8th Century he will essay the role of superstar in 21st century story. One has comedy tinge whereas the other story deals with family elements. The film shaped up well.'