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Nadodigal -- in Telugu, Kannada and Hindi

When Samuthirakani, the director of the much acclaimed Nadodigal spoke to rediff.com just before its release, he was quite confident about his film though not about it's reception. The film is on its way to completing 50 days and its hero, Sasikumar has become the most admired filmmaker, actor and producer in Tamil.

The box office and critical success of the film have made production houses and filmmakers from other languages to request him to remake the movie in Telugu, Kannada and Hindi.

An elated Samuthirakani talks to Shobha Warrier about the success of the film.

When we spoke before the release of Nadodigal, you were quite hopeful about its success. Did you expect it to be so huge?

I knew people would like the film but never expected this kind of a response. The success of the film is ten times more than I had expected! What I have got is a bonus! I am very happy.

'Sasikumar does whatever you ask him to -- no questions asked'

What do you think worked in its favour?

I think it is the second half of the film. How we said and what we said was never attempted in films before. The story line is very thin and so I was apprehensive about stretching it like this, whether it would work with the audience or not. But I knew that if it worked, it would do so in a big way.

Whatever Sasikumar touches is turning into gold these days, whether it is his work as a director, producer or actor. What do you think are Sasikumar's contribution to the success of Nadodigal?

Sasikumar has done a wonderful understated performance in the film. He does whatever you ask him to -- no questions asked. What more does a director want? As far as I am concerned, that is his biggest contribution. I would say other actors who pester directors with silly questions and arguments should learn from Sasi. He has set an example, and shown that if an actor has full confidence in the director from the beginning till the end, you will get a good product.

'I called the shots in Nadodigal'

You mean to say, although he is a successful director himself, he doesn't interfere at all?

Yes. For one full year when we were making Nadodigal, he forgot that he was a director. He was only my lead actor on the sets and the man who called the shots was me, and he simply did what I wanted.

His acting also received wide appreciation. Did you expect that?

I knew Sasi's acting would be talked about. He is like the boy-next-door. The good thing about his acting is that he never goes overboard.

Many people are comparing Nadodigal with Subramaniapuram. Do you like this comparison?

Nadodigal, Subramaniapuram and Pasanga are all from the same place -- our backyard. Sasi, Kathir (the cinematographer) and myself are friends and whatever we make is our common property. I am happy that my film is being compared to another film made by us. In fact, the film Nadodigal has a lot of moments from our friendship.

'I will direct the other versions of the film too'

It is reported that after the success of the film, you are getting offers to remake the film...

It is true. I am going to start shooting the Telugu remake. Ravi Teja and Priya Mani will play the main roles. Abhinaya -- the deaf and mute girl -- will be there in it too. She doesn't need any language.

After that, there will be a Kannada version. Puneet Rajkumar has shown great interest. We are talking about the Hindi version but nothing has been finalised yet.

Are you going to direct the Telugu and Kannada versions also?

Yes, after I finish the Telugu remake, I will act in a film directed by Sasikumar. After that only, I will do the Kannada Nadodigal. I will direct the Hindi one too. You know art has no language.

'I want Dev Patel and Shahid Kapur for the Hindi version'

Is it true that you want Dev Patel for the Hindi remake?

Yes, I want Dev Patel and Shahid Kapur for the Hindi version. I have told my desire to the people who have come forward to remake it.

Won't you feel bored directing the same story again?

I don't think so. I will try to rectify the mistakes I have made in the Tamil one. When I saw Nadodigal, I felt I should have done several things, now I will make those changes in Telugu. 

How did you celebrate the success of Nadodigal?

We are yet to celebrate. I have moved on to the Telugu remake and Sasi, to his next directorial venture. We didn't get time to celebrate. We have got a lot more to do.