Uttama Villain is one of my best: Kamal Haasan

The film, as every one suspects, is not a dual role as known in the trade. These are roles portrayed by a megastar in movies. I originally wanted to name it Bitter Chocolate but refrained. There is a punitive taxation by our state government for naming a film in any other language but Tamil.

I guess the get-up that provoked discussion must be the elaborate Thayyam costume and make-up. This is nearly a 12 centuries old art still practiced in Kerala. Unlike other arts that have turned commercial and are being monetised, Thayyam has stayed within the confines of the temple grounds.

I have an extraordinary ensemble cast, which includes my late guru and mentor. This is my 37th film with him. The only difference about this 37th is that he did not write and direct it. I wrote the screenplay and Ramesh Arvind directed it. The film has brilliant performances by even the smallest part players.

It makes no sense connecting the two films releasing on the same day. The only connection maybe is the Haasan name. Even in that there is this difference of gender.

While her progress in the Hindi film world is impressive, she has miles to go to please either of us. ‘Glad’ would suffice now in form of a reaction.

VR2 is complete but for the CG work. It will release in Hindi and Tamil. Ghibran, who should have been of VR2 fame, is now being celebrated for his work in Uttama Villain. His national recognition will happen through VR2.