One can never run out of questions for Kamal Haasan. The actor has always broken the norms and continues to do so with his latest venture Dashavtar.
It's a film where every scene has half a dozen avtars of the actor, requiring him to perform multiple takes for each shot in different looks. His director says it's both easy and tough to direct Kamal as he is aware of every aspect of filmmaking.
Unaffected by the IPL fever, Kamal reveals he is a rare Indian who finds cricket boring and prefers soccer. At the premiere of Dashavtar - a Hindi version of the Tamil movie Dasavathaaram we caught up with the actor for more interesting revelations.
Q: Given the marketing blitzkrieg during the release of Dasavathaaram, wouldn't it have made sense to give Dashavtar a simultaneous release?
It should have happened that way. And I agree we have had a very low-key promotion for Dashavtar. But things just didn't fall into place. Dasavathaaram had the largest release for a Tamil film. That itself was such a daunting task - somewhere we couldn't handle the simultaneous Hindi release. Later we looked at a January (2009) release. But again it kept getting delayed due to various factors. Finally it's reaching the audiences in March.
Q: But do you think the current multiplex-producer war and Asin's popularity post Ghajini have been a blessing in disguise?
I am sure these two factors should help us. We have been waiting too long for the Hindi release. So we definitely didn't plan a March date looking at the strike. Asin is wonderful. I have only seen parts of Ghajini, but here she is playing one heroine among 10 Kamals. In Ghajini, Asin was lucky to get a chance to improve upon an already wonderful performance.
Q: Asin hasn't been accompanying you in the promotion of Dashavtar...
She is voting in her hometown. Don't get me wrong - I believe she is doing the right thing.
Q: And you...what's Kamal Haasan's take on election and politics?
Good sense has kept me away from politics so far. It's too high a fence for me to cross over. But everyone must exercise his or her democratic right to vote. And this democratic moment should be a non-stop process. A few weeks of activism post 26/11 and later on forgetting all about it won't do. We cannot become like our neighbouring country and let weapons take over.
Q: You are remaking A Wednesday. How different will it be from the original?
What's the point of remaking if you tinker with the original? Except a few changes to suit the social context of the new setting, the structure is largely the same. A Wednesday is a film relevant not only to Mumbai but the entire society.
Q: You have roped in Shruti to compose the music of this film. How did that happen?
It was completely her own choice. She really connected with the subject. It's important for an artiste or technician to love and respect the content he is working on. She has even recorded a song with me.
Q: As a father what role are you playing in shaping up her career?
She has to prove her mettle only on the basis of her talent. Her debut is not with Raj Kamal Films. I think that should answer your question.
Q: But you've never followed the rules while taking your decisions. Both personally and professionally! Would you like Shruti to be as unconventional in her choices?
She has to decide for herself. Like any parent I would like my daughter to have her individuality.
Q: But are there any offers to cast you together?
Yes, quite a few scripts. One of them might materialise in Raj Kamal Films itself. You'll know very soon.
Q: And what do you think of the acclaim Sarika's recent films have received?
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I haven't seen any of her work.
Q: When do we see you in a commercial Hindi film? Recreating the success of Ek Duje Ke Liye perhaps...
The script is ready. By the end of this year it will go on floors. In fact one of my agendas in this visit to Mumbai is to finalise the details with my producers. It will be a bilingual though. Made both in Hindi and Tamil. Whether I can recreate that magic is for you people to decide.
Q: Who are the current Bollywood actresses you would like to be paired with?
Depends on the script. I can't name one. There are some fantastic actresses in the new lot.
Q: Why Himesh Reshammiya for the music of Dashavtar?
My original choice was AR Rahman. But he didn't have the time. I wanted the music to have a universal appeal. Which is why after Rahman I immediately thought of Himesh.
Q: You abandoned Bollywood even after achieving reasonable amount of success...
I feel at home in Chennai. I was more comfortable there. The working styles, efficiency, planning and underworld... it was all very frustrating. Today I am back into a completely changed scenario. It's great. But that's because Mumbai is also my city. I am as much moved by 26th July and 26/11 as any Mumbaikar.
ThatQ: 's great, but what's with Kamal Haasan's constant need to innovate?
I don't think films should be monochromatic in nature. Every film need not be a musical with songs. Every story need not have a happy ending.
Q: Sanjeev Kumar attempted nine roles in the past. You have gone one-up with Dashavtar...
When you have a predecessor like Haribhai you only inherit his blessings. I am no one to compete with Haribhai. That's why I asked the makers to do away with "First time in the world" tagline in the promotions. It's too pompous. Mr Bachchan and Yusuf Saab have accomplished a lot more than me.
Q: What kind of a statement does Dashavtar make?
None. It just entertains. On the face of it, the movie might seem like a lot of noise with some men falling all over the place. But if you allow yourself to be absorbed in the proceedings, you will be part of an exhilarating, roller coaster ride. The dus (10) avatars borrow their reference from Lord Vishnu. But it's not mythological. Far from it. While writing (he calls it his 11th and most interesting role in the film), one doesn't think about the logistics required to execute a scene. It was only after the first 15 minutes of shooting when we realised the magnitude of what we had got ourselves into. This movie is truly a team effort.
Q: There is also a lot of talk about the use of chaos theory in the film ... especially across the cyberspace.
The kind of reactions my film has received online is flattering. I have read some unbelievable interpretations of the film. There are communities dedicated to explaining the film to those viewers who couldn't grasp it. Even I have been introduced to so many aspects of the film, which I wasn't even aware of while writing it. I must confess I have written what I wanted. But fans have beaten my intelligence. They are far cleverer.
Q: Does your effort deserve an Oscar?
Why do we get so excited about the Oscars? It's just a standard set by the Americans for their films. Slumdog Millionaire is an American (sic) film. There is nothing Indian about it except for the location. Let's not go gaga over the movie and instead honour Rahman who achieved excellence in a foreign set up. My people, it's their award that matters to me - not what the Americans approve of.
Q: Dasavathaaram, was supposed to rival the hysteria over Sivaji. Are you satisfied with the results? Has the franchise lived up to your expectations?
The facts and figures speak for themselves. Compare the collections of Dashavathaaram and Sivaji (especially overseas) and the numbers will tell if I should be satisfied or no. I hope to achieve pan-India success with Dashavtar. But even if that doesn't happen, my movie is already a super-hit – loved by a huge chunk of the country's population.
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