In conversation with Azhagappan

Chennai, Aug.22 (NR): Azhagappan, former assistant of Kamal Hasan worked with the star on the sets of Apoorva sahodaragal, Guna, Magalir mattum and Devar magan, to mention a few. A native of Rayampettai in Thiruvanamalai, this former journalist makes his debut into direction with Vannathapoochi, a story about the bond between a grandfather and his city bred grand -daughter.

In a conversation with Mythily Ramachandran, Azhagappan talks about the film.

How has the response to the film been?

Good. My film has reached my target audience, that is the family crowd and children. In the theaters that I visited during the screening of the film, I noticed that the audience waited till the end of the show to see the outcome. That is a positive sign. It is a story that viewers will not forget easily, despite a few glitches in the making. That was my aim. I am satisfied.

There is no star cast in the film, apart from Revathy.

Yes, I wanted it that way, because this is not a commercial film. Had I used someone like Vikram, the focus would have been diverted onto him instead of the main characters, the grand father and his grand –daughter. The film was produced under a small banner with a small investment.

Why did you choose Sri Lakshmi?

Around eight girls were auditioned for the role. During the photo shoot, clippings of her were taken on a cell phone without her knowledge. Those pictures captured her natural and innocent self. The first time I introduced her to Bala Singh as her thatha in the story, she immediately ran up to him and hugged him. It was very spontaneous. That decided her.

What about Bala Singh?

He is a product of National School of Drama, Pune and has acted in around fifty films. He has played a villain in most of his films. But I felt his potential was not tapped. When I suggested this role to Bala, he was surprised. He asked me, 'Are you sure?' Yes, I was sure he could carry off the character.

What were the tough scenes?

The scene where the grandfather is sick and Divya attends to him. Also, the climax scene with Revathy. Divya did these scenes in a few takes. She is a natural. Her reactions are spontaneous.

How was it working with Kamal Hasan?

He is a legend. It was a great learning experience on his sets. He is an actor who will not hesitate to take a risk or work on a new idea. He always thinks ahead of his times. He would often say, 'A good film leaves an impact in the minds of the viewers.' He looked for this satisfaction more than the monetary gain.

Your future projects?

I will be working on an out and out commercial next titled, 'Jeevan poonga.' The script is mine and it will be produced by Sundaravardan. The cast will be finalized after auditions. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Vannathupoochi