My Son Yatra Loved Chitti-Dhanush

Dhanush is delighted that his Deepavali release Uthamaputhiran has been sold at a record price in all areas.

The actor has also completed the entire shoot of his Maapillai and is gung-ho about his career. Sitting in his plush penthouse on St Mary’s Road, the star opens up in an exclusive interview.

Tell us about your role in Uthamaputhiran...
My character’s name in the film is Shiva and he resides in a big joint family. He’s the fun guy in the family and is someone who uses his wit to overcome difficult situations. The film is an out and out hilarious joyride with a huge supporting cast of Genelia, Vivekh, Bhagyaraj, Kaurnas. Ambica, Rekha and Aarathy, among others.

How was your on-screen chemistry with Genelia?
You have to be careful doing a film with Genelia; she will hog the show! I was very alert that she does not steal the thunder! Still, for every action of mine on screen, Genny had an equal and opposite reaction which made our chemistry crackle.

You seem to have struck a rapport with Vivekh as your comic partner...
Vivek is a scream in Uthamaputhiran and appears only after the interval. Our comic timing is perfect according to director Suraj, who brought us together in Padikathavan and Maapillai.

Are you the new remake Raja?
(Laughs) No way! After Yaaradi Nee Mohini and Kutty, I did not want to do any remakes. I took Maapillai because it has a nostalgic attachment about it, being the remake of Rajini sir film’s. Actually, if you look at it, the film is not a typical Rajinikanth mass entertainer. Suraj, my director, has modified it to suit the taste of today’s audiences. However, Uthamaputhiran is a remake of a Telugu family entertainer and the producers who got the rights insisted that they will make it only with me. My Aadukalam, directed by Vetrimaran, is a film set in the Madurai milieu. Then, there’s Selvaraghavan’s untitled film which is a new genre by itself. In November, I’m starting the shoot of my new film with Hari, which is also not a remake.

Tell us about your experience of watching Endhiran back-to-back three times on release day...
First and foremost, I’m a crazy fan of Thalaivar Superstar Rajinikanth right from my childhood days. I have watched most of his films first day first show (FDFS). As far as Endhiran is concerned, my first viewing of the film was at a preview theatre with my family, a few hours before its theatrical release. I really liked the film; it was an all-new Rajini sir for me. A couple of hours later, about 20 of us, including my close friends, visited a popular theatre and saw it FDFS with the audience and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was an altogether different kind of mind-blowing experience. Later that evening, I attended the premiere of the film along with the VIPs. A couple of days later, I saw the Telugu version of the film in a Hyderabad theatre and it was a blast.

What did you most like about the film?
I loved the negative role of Rajini sir the best. The walk, the laugh and voice modulation were awesome. My son Yatra loved Chitti. He’s now pestering me for the black leather Robot suit and goggles!