Behind Frames Exclusive Interview with Siruthai Siva – “ Veeram had ‘U’ certificate before shooting itself”
Catering to the taste of family audience becomes an intriguing part of a filmmaker’s success. Filmmaker Siva of ‘Siruthai’ fame is an ample illustration of how audience can be engaged with a film right from beginning till end. Such was his debut film ‘Siruthai’, which outmatched the original version ‘Vikramakudu’. While the filmmaker got busy with his Telugu projects, there came a surprise to him. “It was a call from Suresh Chandra sir (personal manager of Ajith Kumar) and he politely asked if I am interested in working with Ajith. Within next few days, I was bound to a huge surprise when Ajith sir himself gave me a call over phone asking, “Would you like to make a film for me?” What do you expect from me then? I was bound to a heavy downpour of invigorations. Over this exclusive chat with Behind Frames, Siruthai Siva reveals more on this ambitious project, the best unknown qualities of Ajith Kumar and what makes ‘Veeram’ so special than Thala’s previous movies.
Ajith Kumar in a rural film is something unexpected. Did you conceptualise the script before approaching him?
Let me put this simple. Every time I make a film, I would be sure that it is completely different and unique from the actors’ previous movies. It was so much exemplified with Siruthai, which happened to be a different film than his other flicks. I just came up with an idea to Ajith sir that if we can make a rural based entertainer to which he instantly gave a nod. Then it was a photo shoot in white attires, which pushed to conceive a script set in backdrops of village.
How did the four brothers come into picture?
These four brothers are the representatives of Ajith Kumar fans. Much more than considering him as a matinee-idol, his fans have a special affinity for him. So we decided to have four characters reflecting the affection and love of Thala fans. Wherever we go, there is a huge fan following base for Thala fans and so we decided to have this factor included in the movie.
The salt and pepper look of Ajith Kumar has been over a couple of movies – Mankatha and Arrambam. How would be Ajith Kumar to be spotted in a similar role for an unusual backdrop of rural film?
I am not sure behind the reason of Ajith sir carrying Salt and Pepper looks in these films, but my movie has a specific reason behind this character and looks. In fact, there is a scene that involves the reason why Ajith Kumar has salt and pepper hair. He is someone, who doesn’t care about the looks and I’m sure the audience would enjoy it.
Ajith Kumar didn’t have any romantic scenes, but he is back with a romantic quotient in this film.
There is a lot to enjoy in this film. The camera loves Ajith sir and Tamannaah, know why? Their fair complexion of skin is so much fantastic that they look so beautiful and their onscreen chemistry would be appreciated by all.
Getting on with the hilarious scenes, for the first time Santhanam and Ajith Kumar seem to have a good combination….
The answer lies within your question. Yes, it’s a rare combination and I’m completely confident that the fun-filled scenes will leave you in complete laughter-riot.
The reason behind casting your younger brother Bala in this film…
To be frank, Bala is very much busy in Malayalam film industry and his schedules are full till next few years. But when I just said Ajith Kumar sir, he rushed adjusting the dates since he is a huge fan of his.
The stunt sequence on the top of running train seems to be the greatest highlight in the film. Can you share some experience on it?
Mark my words!!! It’s going to be the greatest sensation and it occurs during the intermission. When I narrated the action sequence to Ajith sir, he was so fascinated and when it was time to shoot the scene, we had a dupe ready for the stunts. Apparently, when Ajith sir saw the person, he politely asked, who that guy is over the top of train and I replied, “He is your dupe sir and we don’t want to involve you in such risky shots.” Yet again, he asked, “What did you tell when you narrated the script?” and I told him, “Sir, you’re performing this stunts”. He came up with a statement, “Why then you have someone performing instead of me?” He didn’t say that patently because to maintain his status, but for the well being of stunt person, who is performing the stunts instead of him.
What was the reaction of Ajith Kumar after watching the film?
He just hugged me and said, “I see myself different in this film.” That is absolutely true. So far, you have seen Ajith sir in a different shade, but this one will be a fantastic entertainer from the star. Moreover, the producers wanted me to make a clean ‘U’ certificate film that could be watched from small kids to the old age audiences. Yes, we have done our best and I’m sure you will experience this on January 10.
