As regards Maapillai, Dhanush himself wanted the name. There were many people who had approached him with Rajni sir film titles but he was keen about Maapillai. He also said there could be many people acting in Rajni sir’s titles but as his Maapillai he can only act in that title.

As I was only using Rajni sir’s film titles, I thought it would be apt if I take his character also. That’s how Alex Pandian came in. Alex Pandian was such a popular character in those days although he would appear in that role for 15 minutes only in the film. Even now Alex Pandian is popular. It is such a mass title and as we wanted a mass film for Karthi and so we named the film Alex Pandian.

I was to direct Karthi in Siruthai

Why Karthi? I was to direct Karthi in Siruthai but was committed to doing Padikkaadhavan that time. Later when we decided to team up, I narrated a one liner to Karthi and he liked it. Later I told him the entire script which is totally in sync with Karthi’s current image like that of jolly-go-lucky, rugged boy. Alex Pandian will be a fun ride with Karthi and you can come out of theatres laughing.

What is Karthi’s role in Alex Pandian?

Karthi is a roguish boy who falls in love with a rich girl Anushka and Alex Pandian is about the problems and the struggles he faces due to this. We have told this in a commercial and humorous manner.

In fact, I had apprehensions that Anushka is such an established heroine and was not sure how she would be at the sets. But as we started working, I realized her professionalism. There was a shot that required to be completed at twilight. It was imperative that we can this shot. I was elsewhere shooting a different sequence and hence it took me some time to reach the sets. I approached Anushka, told her about it and asked how long would it take for her to come after changing her dress. She wanted to know the time limit and I said 15 minutes. She told me it would be difficult and asked the dress to be brought to the sets from the caravan.

She just asked a room at the sets and she emerged promptly in 5 minutes with her changed costumes. And I completed the shot. On that day I told Karthi why Anushka is number one heroine. It is very difficult to reach this spot. Some heroines, if they go to change dress, would come only next day. Anushka has clearly understood the pains of producer and director and that’s why she is number 1.

Karthi and Santhanam would be like Agni Natchathiram Karthik and Prabhu

Humor is the USP in all your films. Will Alex Pandian also follow suit? In today’s stressful scenario, preachy messages in the film will not go well with the audience. Audience is the Don and he will dismiss such films outright. As an audience I myself don’t look forward to messages and advises and if somebody mouths lengthy dialogues, I will get bored. But comedy films are enjoyable. That’s why I have made comedy films like Thalainagaram, Marudhamalai, Padikkaadhavan, Maapillai and now Alex Pandian will be a complete entertainer. There will be a big war between Karthi and Santhanam and they would not see eye to eye. They would be like Agni Natchathiram Karthik and Prabhu. Both of them will be degrading each other like Goundamani-Senthil. In all of Karthi’s films, this will be the most expensive film, close to 30 crores. There is a train fight, helicopter chase and a fight sequence in ship in Alex Pandian which will be a grandeur presentation. Alex Pandian will be a mass film with comedy and commercial elements.

To get a heroine is easy

Who are the three ladies? Wish I knew! Anushka is the main heroine. In addition to her, there are three heroines. Nikitha of Goa fame and Sanusha of Renigunta fame are there. I am looking out for the 3rd heroine. To get a heroine is easy but to get artists for other characters is difficult. In that way, Alex Pandian is a big challenge for me. I am going to work with so many heroines, I don’t know how many caravans will be there and I don’t know how I am going to manage them!

Suman is a superb villain who has worked with me in Padikkaadhavan. Suman is a director’s artist. Both the villains will clash with Karthi in the climax. That’s why I wanted someone like Suman who would deliver forceful blows.

Would there be any punch dialogues in Alex Pandian?

I sprinkle my entire movie with punch dialogues and something from it will click with the audience. We can’t decide such things. Whatever appeals to the audience, he would go out and speak and that would become the punch.

Producer Gnanavel Raja

Alex Pandian is being produced by Studio Green Gnanavel Raja and S R Prabhu. They are number 1 among the top producers. Alex Pandian is a bug budget film. When I told them that hero lands from a helicopter on to a train, they had to give me such locales. And finally we got one in Mysore. We have completed hero-heroine portion in Chalakudy where we erected a set costing Rs 40 lakhs. We have put a set in Chennai, waiting for the strike to end. There are many sets in Alex Pandian. Since Studio Green is producing this film, I have no problems. I don’t have to every time explain my need to them. They understand the script and are very supportive.

Devi Sri Prasad is my PRO

Devi Sri Prasad Devi Sri Prasad is my PRO. I had narrated him the story of Alex Pandian and he was laughing right through. From then onwards, he has been telling about me to everyone he comes across. DSP has become my good friend too. In Alex Pandian, songs will not be like ‘Kuthu’ types. DSP has told me that he will make the five songs in the film like five different albums like western piece, folk, melody etc. Song composition is going on now. DSP is like a child. Every day when I meet him, I need to make him laugh first and then he will start composing.