A couple of the director’s Hindi films haven’t fallen into place as he didn’t find the right cast
A still from the O Kadhal Kanmani
Mani Ratnam returns this week to the marquee with his new film O Kadhal Kanmani featuring Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menon. He talks about his latest work and how he’ll return to Bollywood soon.
O Kadhal Kanmani is a young love story about a commitment-phobic couple. What prompted you to take up the story?
The changing scenario around us is fascinating. Young men and women these days view relationship very differently as compared to those a decade ago. Even in a conservative society like Chennai, youngsters are not bound by convention and marriage. How deep is this change? Is it just on the surface or has the change taken roots? That is the question the film tries to address.
You’ve cast Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menon. How did this pair come into the picture?
You cast people who will bring something more to the character. Both Dulquer and Nithya have made their characters Adi and Tara come alive on screen. When your principal artists deliver convincing performances, then the film gets elevated.
You’ve worked with Dulquer’s father, the formidable Mammootty. Do you see a similar talent in the son?
They are very different. Dulquer has no trace of his father’s style. He has a style of his own.
Your musical partnership with A.R. Rahman is legendary. How different was it working with him this time?
Working with A.R. is always special. He amazes me every time. Not just the music, but the way he pushes himself to come up with a sound that is so unique to each film. With this film, he has brought in a unique blend of EDM and traditional Carnatic.
Cinema in India is changing. How do you view the shifts in trends and tastes in recent times?
Some (films) are extremely good, very positive and innovative with new ideas and vision, and some others are rehashes. Some are even regressive. Hopefully the fresher vision will wipe the regressive ones away.
Your last couple of films did not seem to please your audience as much as they generally do. Why do you think that is?
I think it’s me. My narration went wrong. I failed to communicate lucidly and failed to convey my story in an interesting and simple fashion.
Why haven’t we seen you direct a Hindi film for a while?
One or two projects haven’t fallen into place. I did not find the right cast, so I thought I would wait till it falls in place. And hopefully, my next film will be in Hindi.
What is your opinion on the recent films and filmmakers that have emerged in Hindi cinema? Which recent Hindi films have you liked?
I loved Queen. I thought Kangana was superb.
Finally, your closing thoughts on O Kadhal Kanmani?
While it releases in Tamil, it also comes with subtitles to the rest of India. Hope you get a chance to see it and let me know what you think of it.
( Source : subhash k. jha )
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