If we go by the way Tamil audiences patronise films, Perarasu seems well on his way to a hat-trick.

A little rewind will tell you that, of the much talked about fight between Vijay and Vikram at the box office during Diwali, Vijay came out a clear winner thanks to Sivakasi. The actor definitely has to thank the filmmaker, Perarasu, for this and his earlier success, Thirupachi. Perarasu stuck strictly to a formula that would attract Vijay's fans and satisfy them. He added all the masala essential for commercial success, and managed to win over audiences.

Now, he has moved on to his next project, for the prestigious AVM Productions. Following a tradition started by him, he has given the name of a place to his third film as well -- Tirupathi. Its hero is the handsome Ajith, who has shed around 14 kilos and is badly in need of a hit. The heroine is Sada, who is on a high after the success of Anniyan.

We managed a chat with Perarasu and got him to speak about his latest project.

More on rediff.com! Bollywood weddings up next Celebrating John Lennon Your Say: Fave action flick?

How did the offer for Tirupathi come about?

What can I say except that it all happened because of the blessings of God! It was while I was shooting for Sivakasi that I was told Saravanan Sir of AVM wanted to meet me. Not even in my wildest dreams did I think he was going to offer me a film. When he did ask me to make a film for his banner, I couldn't believe my ears. I had only made one film and I hadn't even finished the second one, and here, one of the oldest and most prestigious banners was offering me a third! He also told me the hero was Ajith.

What did you tell him?

I didn't even have to think twice before accepting the offer. I immediately told him a story line I had in mind. As I have said in an earlier interview, I always have a stock of stories with me.

You specialise in 'sentiments'. In this story, what is the sentiment you are going to stress upon?

In Tirupathi, it is friendship, between the good and bad. Riaz Khan will play the negative character. When I narrated the storyline to Saravanan Sir, he liked it very much. They announced the film within two days.

Why do you give names of places as titles for your films?

I gave the name Thirupachi to my character in my first film, and it became a success. So, I decided to have the name of a place for my next character too. It was just to arouse the curiosity of the audience. Sivakasi also became a hit. It made sense to name my third hero after a place too, hence, Tirupathi.

Will the story of Tirupathi take place in Tirupathi?