It's about 'anandam' [happiness] and 'thandavam' [dance]. Everybody is chasing happiness and finally dancing with happiness.

The novel was written in the 80s when America was a distant dream but today, the world has become smaller and the charm is lost. So, do you feel the setting will not suit today's times?

The American dream still exists and a US-returned 'mapillai' is the dream of many households in Tamil Nadu. Only technology has advanced a lot. In the film, I have shown all the latest technological advancements but the basic emotions remain the same even today.

How did you select Siddharth and Tamannah for the roles?

You know, I have read this novel more than a 100 times, and I have been carrying the characters with me all these years. Tamannah's innocent features made me pick her. Plus, she is a good actress too.

Siddharth is very new to cinema. In fact, he has no connection to films at all. I saw him in an ad for a shirt and found my hero. Then I called him and took a screen test. What impressed me was his homework. In the film also, he has performed very naturally.

Listen to: Javed Ali, unplugged!
Also Read: One more love story for Siddharth

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