Udhayanidhi Stalin’s political and action drama Maamannan directed by Mari Selvaraj and produced by the actor himself under Red Giant Movies was a sensational blockbuster. Asian Multiplexes Pvt Ltd and Suresh Productions are bringing the movie to the Telugu audience. The movie Nayakudu is due for release tomorrow. Meanwhile, Udhayanidhi Stalin interacted with the media, ahead of the film’s release. Here are excerpts:
First of all congratulations on the blockbuster success of Maamannan? Why the delay in releasing the movie in Telugu?
Thanks. We didn’t plan to make it for multi-languages. We wanted to do a Tamil movie. My previous movies didn’t work. So, we wanted to release the movie only in Tamil. The movie performed well in Tamil and received unanimous positive talk. When we were approached for the Telugu rights, we thought this movie will do well in Telugu as well.
Do you think the story will appeal to the Telugu audience?
I think it is a very good story. We have spoken about social justice in society and equality among people. It is more of a political drama. The story has universal appeal and I think it will connect well to the Telugu audience as well.
Do you think the success of the movie in Tamil will help the Telugu version?
Nowadays due to social media and all movie buffs are well aware of content from all languages. They are eager to watch movies from other languages if it gets a positive talk in one language. We got many offers from Telugu that they want to dub the film. We feel happy and safe to release the movie through Asian and Suresh Productions who are the leading producers and distributors in Telugu.
What really inspired you to do this movie?
The storyline intrigued me the minute I heard it. My previous films were all commercial entertainers with comedy and drama elements. I did a movie called Manithan 7 years ago which was the remake of Jolly LLB and it was a big hit. I wanted to do a comedy film again. But Mari Selvaraj spellbound me with this story. It was really challenging to do the movie where there was lots of scope to perform. I also liked the social message in the movie. Mari Selvaraj’s previous movies also discuss social injustice which is one of the main reasons for me to do the movie.
Why did you choose this as your last movie?
I was supposed to do a movie for Kamal Haasan sir’s production banner. At that time, I have no plans of quitting films. After the release of Karman, I called Mari Selvaraj and I told him that I wanted to work with him. He said no ,saying he has too many commitments. When I decided to quit movies, I wanted to do my last movie with Mari with a strong story.
Vadivelu is a legendary comedian in Tamil. But he appeared in a contrasting role. How was it working with him?
I did a cameo in Mr Suriya’s Aadhavan where I got to spend time and work with Vadivelu sir. It was a hilarious role. When Mari Selvaraj narrated Mamannan’s story, I told him that the father character is the most important one in the movie. The next day I called and asked him, who do you think is the right choice for the character? He said, Vadivelu. I was really shocked to hear that. And I was in doubt whether Mr. Vadivelu would do it because he was in a completely different genre. He was in a line of comedy films. I called Vadivelu sir and I requested him to do the movie which is my last film. I’m also happy to work with actors like Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh.
All the very best for your future endeavors sir.
Thanks a lot.