Inventing new concepts, experimenting with them and giving life to new characters, all is possible only with one actor, that is, Kamal Hassan. He is a library himself for films. Many actors, senior or junior take him as role model and try to follow his methods. This time, Kamal Hassan’s new journey starts with ‘Eenadu’, a remake of Hindi block buster ‘A Wednesday’. Victory Venkatesh is essaying the police officer role, which is the supporting character in the film. The logo of ‘Eenadu’ was launched recently in Hyderabad. On the eve Kamal Hassan had a small chit chat with the media personnel in which Venkatesh also participated. Some excerpts…
Pre-release of Hindi film ‘A Wednesday’, no one even bothered to know what the film is about. But down South, ‘Eenadu’ is creating lot of buzz only because it is a Kamal Hassan’s film. Up to what level do you think can you live to the audience expectations?
At one period of time, characters were created based on star’s image. But the trend has changed now. People are intelligent enough to judge the films based on content and not on stars. Therefore, in ‘Eenadu’, instead of Kamal and Venky, the audience will see only two real life characters on screen. To talk about technical aspects the entire film was shot with red camera. I think these things will certainly impress the audience here.
Do you think ‘A Wednesday’ is the right choice for actors like you who are always hungry for something new and creative?
Of course yes! Because you see, it is not the routine kind of masala film. So definitely the Telugu audience will enjoy ‘Eenadu’, because of its viewpoint.
How do you express ‘Eenadu’ film as?
I feel it is a new kind of experiment that I am making in Telugu film industry. I hope ‘Eenadu’ will set new bench mark for my future films here.
The roles of Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher in Hindi version are repeated by you and Venkatesh in Telugu. Then how do you call this as new?
Portraying the roles which already have been portrayed by someone else is the real challenge. We have put in our efforts and tried our best in our own style. Rest, the audience will decide.
How did you convince Venkatesh who is a star hero in Telugu, for such a small role in ‘Eenadu’?
Venky’s role in ‘Eenadu’ is a very prominent one and you will see a new dimension in him. Ramanaidu gaaru is my good friend for quite long. So when I approached Venkatesh and his father with the role in ‘Eenadu’ they had no second thought for it.
How was your feeling when you first listened to your daughter Sruthi’s music?
When it comes to profession, I do not consider Sruthi as my daughter. She got this opportunity due to her talent and not because she is the daughter of Kamal Hassan.
Didn’t you feel it risky to handover one such delicate subject to a new director?
This question has arisen in many people’s minds. Chakri’s inborn talent lead him to this opportunity. He has got very good visual sense which makes him think in various dimensions. He is just the contrast to the role he played in ‘Sagara Sangamam’.
Can you give us the idea of how to deal with a new experimental film?
Your first success lies in convincing the producers. If you can succeed in that and your film becomes a hit by luck, then automatically that producer will show the path for other producers.
Is there any scope for your dream project ‘Marmayogi’ in the near future?
Actually it is a dream project not only for me but also for Venky. We worked hard about a year for ‘Marmayogi’ but in vain. This project would certainly happen provided we get a good producer.
You have so many fans here in Andhra Pradesh. When can we expect a straight Telugu film from you again?
(Smiles) Yes, many producers are approaching me with good offers and very soon you can see me in a straight Telugu film.
(To Venkatesh) How do you feel working with Kamal Hassan? Can you share some of your experiences during the making of ‘Eenadu’?
It’s great experience working with legend like Kamal Hassan. He has always been my inspiration and whatever appreciation I get for my performance in ‘Eenadu’, the secret behind it is Kamal Hassan. He is a library for many actors and so for me. I used to learn many new things by watching his films and whenever I watch his film my energy level is recharged. Kamal sir used to keep on asking me, “Venky, why not we try something new?” Finally we thought that we got the opportunity through ‘Marmayogi’ film, but unfortunately that did not happen. Now, our dream has become true in the form of ‘Eenadu’.
