The interview started off on a bright note. It looks like Mani Ratnam’s office is quickly becoming the center-point for absorbing conversations. Karthi and Aditi Rao Hydari were relaxed and in quite good spirits. The upcoming offering of Mani Ratnam’s Kaatru Veliyidai marks a new highlight in Karthi’s resume. Beginning his career as an assistant director to Mani many years ago, the now full-time hero has finally landed the lead role in his mentor’s film, which certainly counts as a big milestone. The pair goes by the cutesy name of ‘VC and Leela’ in the film, and they were ready to match the romantic energy that is a trademark of a Mani Ratnam movie. At ease and yet slightly anxious about the reception they’d receive with the release of KV, we talk about their romantic connect, preparation for the film, rapport with Mani, Rahman and much more.
Of Romance IN kaatru...
KARTHI: It is not a breezy romance or a flippant one, but it’s an intense love story. When you talk about my character VC’s (Varun) romance, automatically there is a seriousness attached to it. There’s so much of danger in his life — his temperament and his character trait is itself unusual. KV is a complete love story and there is no other element in it.
The character of VC is totally different from what I am. When Mani sir approached me, the first thing he said was, ‘I don’t want you, I need an entirely new Karthi who can transform into the character of VC’. So, I couldn’t take any element from my personal traits. It was very challenging for me to pull it off.
In any romantic film, you explore two individual characters — whether they stay together or drift apart. Here, he is very tough, but soft-hearted and Leela, who is a doctor, is extremely vulnerable but a strong person inside. Kaatru Veliyidai explores that contrasting relationship.
ADITI RAO HYDARI: I am a complete die-hard romantic. Mani sir gets into the head of the characters so amazingly that you become that character.
Like Karthi said, he is just the opposite of what he essays and I also realised over time that it was true. But for me, Leela is the kind of character I could relate to. Although, the difference between Leela and me is that I am a full on romantic and get emotionally attached to people and situations. Whereas, my role of Leela is that of a doctor, who has to strike a balance between being nurturing and being emotionally detached from people and things.
In fact, I wanted to become a doctor, but somehow it didn’t happen. Learning the Tamil language was tough! When I did Sringaram, I didn’t realise what I was getting into but I just did that. I was mugging all my lines. As far as KV is concerned, it’s a different ball-game. I really wished to be in Mani sir’s film when I saw one of his projects. I badly wanted to be in his ventures. If Mani sir asked me to stand on my head and speak German, I would happily do it. It is my love for cinema that he brings on screen. I am very much a moment person, and would give my 100 per cent for the film I am doing.
It is a blessing in disguise that I could spend more time with Mani sir. It was also overwhelming to listen to him and discover the character.
Learning curve
KarthI: I had this expectation — how it’s going to be in Mani sir’s sets. I still feel like his assistant director and I have to deliver what he expects out of me. Sir always gives us freedom and space and will patiently clear our doubts. Even if it was silly, he would listen and answer (laughs). If you are scared of asking silly questions, you can never learn anything. He gave me enough space for discussion and asked to shed the image I had as an actor. For example, I used to smile in a typical manner in most of my films, which he wanted me to avoid. He cut down on dialogues and wanted us to convey emotions through expressions.
Preparations for a fighter pilot
KARTHI: When he narrated the script, I asked him how a master filmmaker like him selected me for this project. I was not sure whether I could do it. First, he asked me to lose weight and shave my moustache. I was apprehensive about whether I would look good. But, all went well, which finally gave me confidence. I took flying lessons and basic pilot training. As everybody knows, Mani sir doesn’t go by the normal pattern of filmmaking. He shot the pre-climax scene — which was the toughest — on the first day.
On co-stars
KARTHI: Aditi’s efforts were amazing. I know how stressful it would have been for her, without knowing the language. I have undergone the same when I did Thozha in Telugu. But she was ready for all the scenes; Mani sir was sitting with her throughout the shoot. The film was shot in extreme weather and Aditi co-operated with us very well.
ADITI: I have not watched any of his movies and it was a deliberate attempt. I didn’t want anything to affect my equation with him as Varun or Karthi. It was an effortless and happy experience. I felt that we were giving our best. He was very caring and made me comfortable. The characters are written in such a way that they fall in love instantly.
AR Rahman’s music
ADITI: Every song is unique and different and there is so much variation in the tunes. The amount of effort put in by Mani sir to capture them on screen is unbelievable.
