One Malayalam film that is the topic of discussion almost everywhere is Kadha Parayumbol.

The film starring Mammooty in a guest role and Sreenivasan has received so many rave reviews that it even has a Tamil version on the anvil. What's more, Tamil superstar, Rajnikanth [Images], was very impressed with the film that he will now take on Mammootty's role in the Tamil remake.

Also read: A barber and a superstar

Co-produced by Mukesh and fellow actor Sreenivasan, the original was directed by debutant director M Mohanan.

Though every one associated with the film has every reason to be proud, the one beaming the widest grin is Mukesh as his efforts as the film's producer has been appreciated.

Vijay caught up with the actor/producer on location where he is shooting for Sathyan Anthikkad's latest film, to know more. Excerpts:

Did you ever expect Kadha Parayumbol to be such a sensation when you decided to produce the film?

Not really. Now, the film has been accepted as a tribute to true friendship. After watching the film, people are acknowledging the fact that a genuine friend has such an important place in one's life.

When did you realise that the theme is a workable one?

It was the climax of the film that came first and we were confident about it from day one. The rest of the story was developed later. We could see the passion that the storyline generated when we narrated it to Mammootty.

Sreenivasan was also keen to know about the responses as we were in the process of developing the script. We were sure that the route to the climax had to be reached in an appealing way. And this included the contents of the final speech.

What was Rajnikant's reaction to Kadha Parayumbol?

He too could not stop raving about the impact of the climax. He was ecstatic. Even after the screening was over, he went on and on about how moved he was. Now he will do Mammootty's role in the Tamil version.

Have you made big money selling the rights of the film?

Not much. We hope to get more very soon (laughs).

Have you decided to continue producing films under the Lumiere films banner?

Of course. Now that the banner has shaped up well, we will continue making quality films.

Many were not too impressed with the direction. How do you react to this?

I don't understand the criticism. To me, the director has done a splendid job, and that is the reason why the film has been accepted so well. Sreenivsan was mostly busy completing the script and the director (Mohanan) was given a free hand. Remember this is his debut film and he has done a wonderful job in his capacity as the director.

How do you feel about your character in the film?

I already had one role in the film. My aim as a producer was to shape the film and its characters in the best way possible. In fact, I was not sure if I would act in the film.

On a lighter vein, it was my way of showing my friendship to Sreenivasan by not insisting on doing the lead role! (laughs) I could have grabbed barber Balan's role, but I have sacrificed it considering our friendship.

What impact did the film have on you personally?

Now I understand certain aspects of friendships and celebrity life. There are many friends who wanted me to go to their homes, or tell their family that I know them. Now I understand their feelings.

Recently, an assistant director narrated an incident that happened in his life. His father, an auto-driver had studied with a well known Malayalam director Sasi Kumar in school. During the director's heydays, he went to watch a shooting but was beaten up by the police. Sasi Kumar, who recognised his classmate, came to his rescue.  That very evening, he went to his classmate's house in his auto rickshaw. The family was thrilled to bits by Sasi Kumar's gesture.

The moral of the story is that what happened to barber Balan and Ashok Raj happens in the lives of celebrities.