After OK Kanmani, the buzz was that Mani Ratnam was toying with the idea of making a multi-starrer with Karthi, Dulquer Salmaan and Keerthi Suresh, among others. After a few weeks of deliberation, the project got shelved reportedly due to casting issues. Later, it was rumored that Mani will be doing a film with Atharvaa in the lead, which also did not materialise. Recently, talk about the maverick filmmaker teaming up with his erstwhile assistant Karthi surfaced, which has now finally come true!
Karthi opens up for the first time about his excitement going on board for Mani’s new film, to DC. We hear that it is a film of the romantic genre. “Oh no! You want to put me in trouble,” he laughs, and adds, “All I can say is that it will be a signature Mani sir movie, quite contrary to reports that suggested I would be seen in a dual role. I am playing only single character,” he clarifies.
The actor, who has been asked to shed few kilos, admits on a lighter note, “When Mani sir called me this time, he said, you have reduced a little weight compared to when you were with me earlier. But I still need a slimmer Karthi for my film.”
The Paiyaa star recalls as how Mani used to pull his leg while working with him.
“Sir used to tell me, ‘Normally my assistant directors shed kilos liek crazy due to all the running around I make them do and odd timings. Not bad! You are the only one who has put on weight despite working under me!.”
So, do you command your present remuneration with Mani also? “I was earning a meagre sum of Rs. 5,000 initially as an assistant to Mani sir; later Rs. 15,000.
Now becoming his hero itself is a big boon. As far as I am concerned, I can’t relate Mani sir’s films with money. I will go blindly and sign on the dotted line,” he smiles.
He also reveals that they are waiting for him to complete his present film Kashmora, where he has a different look.
“We are planning for a probable date in June to commence the project,” he says.
When we spoke to Mani’s sources about the heroine for Karthi, they confirmed that Sai Pallavi of Premam fame was auditioned recently and has been brought on board.
