Kodi carries the message as to why the youth should know about politics, as well as get involved in the same,” reveals Dhanush, dressed in a crisp white dhoti (his official style statement now), as he talks about his upcoming political satire. The national award-winner is quite thoughtful as he discusses essaying the role of twins in the project, collaborating with his Superstar father-in-law for his next production, and more.
“Many people assumed I was playing a father and a son, but no. The title Kodi, is named after one of the twins in the movie — who is a politician; the other character is Anbu. Durai Senthilkumar came up with this script and I gave my nod immediately, as the story was convincing,” says the hotshot.
While Trisha occupies pride of place in the promos, it is Mollywood import Anupama Parameswaran who will be seen as Anbu’s pair. “Trisha and I were to work in Vetrimaaran’s Aadukalam itself. We even shot for a few days! But, she couldn’t continue and Taapsee came on board. Finally, we are again teaming up for a full-fledged film,” he smiles.
Portraying a dual role was not as easy as one thinks, the multitasking actor quips — “I salute all those who have done double and triple roles in their careers! Normally, while shooting for dual roles, the actor has to enact a scene, then go, change and do the other character. But in Kodi, since I had the bearded look for one and was clean-shaven for the other, it was a whole different ball game. The portions for Kodi’s role were done in a month’s time — and then the shoot of the other character began. Technically, it was very challenging, and a new experience for me.”
Talking about the message in Kodi, he asserts, “All I can say is that I have travelled in a safe zone and there’s nothing controversial. We have only touched upon the topic of the youth needing to be aware of political happenings.”
Though he admitted that the movie has many punch lines, he maintained that it was not satirical. Dhanush is also happy that he could pen and sing the song Kodi Parakkudhu, along with man-in-demand Arunraja Kamaraj of Kabali fame.
He did not rule out the possibility of being part of his wife Aishwaryaa’s next directorial venture and also sister-in-law Soundarya’s project, which was announced recently — “It’s all in the scripting stage. As of now, our banner is bankrolling Aishu’s project.”
On turning a director with Power Pandi, he says, “I think direction is the toughest of all in the film industry; it’s a highly responsible job. I respect Aishwaryaa all the more now.”
The Anegan star also adds that it was purely coincidental that Power Pandi and Aishwaryaa’s documentary Cinema Veeran are based on stuntmen — “It was not planned at all. I finalised my script three years back and Aishwaryaa’s project was her idea, which she decided a year and a half ago!”
“Tamil films always give me a high,” he confesses, adding, “As far as Bollywood movies go, I resolved to choose only inspirational scripts in the future.”
Dhanush also reveals that his Hollywood project titled The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir Who Got Trapped In An Ikea Cupboard will commence its shoot next February, and that he feels honoured to produce his father-in-law Rajinikanth’s next — “I know it is a very big responsibility and I feel honoured. We will be starting work on it by mid next year.”
He signs off, saying that his ongoing project Vada Chennai, directed by his favorite Vetri Maaran, is his dream project. “The script runs for about eight hours and cannot be told in a single film. Hence, we decided to go for a three-part narration. The movie is very close to my heart,” he says and signs off.
