In a recent interview in Mumbai, Padma Shri Ulaga Nayagan Kamal Haasan shared insights about his experience working on Indian 2, his collaboration with director Shankar, and his views on filmmaking.
Returning as “Indian Thatha”
Kamal Haasan, reprising his iconic role as “Indian Thatha” after 28 years, attributed his decision to the unwavering support he received from audiences during the original Indian film. Their encouragement gave him the confidence to take up the character once again. Additionally, the prospect of exploring the legacy further in Indian 3 played a significant role in his commitment to Indian 2.
Shankar’s Evolution as a Director
When asked about working with director Shankar, Kamal Haasan acknowledged that Shankar was already a prominent name in the ’90s and had tasted success at the box office. However, for Indian 2, Shankar had evolved even further as a filmmaker. His growth and innovative approach impressed Kamal Haasan, making their collaboration a rewarding experience.
The Art of Filmmaking: Short Cuts and OTT
Kamal Haasan expressed his preference for concise storytelling, especially in movie theaters with limited emergency exits. He believes that long engagement with audiences, even with an impressive script, can test their patience. Interestingly, he is a fan of OTT platforms and enjoys the format of 8-episode series available digitally.
Shankar’s Confidence and Mani Ratnam’s Approach
Kamal Haasan found Shankar’s confidence level surprising. As for Mani Ratnam, another acclaimed director, he has a unique way of extracting authentic performances from actors without them realizing they are acting. Kamal appreciates the distinct styles and working patterns of both directors.
The Robo Connection
Before Robo became a blockbuster with Superstar Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Shankar had explored the project through test shoots. Interestingly, it was Sujatha, a renowned writer, who initially wanted Kamal Haasan to collaborate with Shankar on Robo. However, due to the film’s demanding requirements in terms of time and budget, Kamal Haasan had to pass on the opportunity. Nevertheless, he remains proud of the film’s success.
Declining the Antagonist Role
Kamal Haasan recently shared his perspective on playing the antagonist in Enthiran 2.0. Despite being approached to play the villain in Enthiran 2.0, Kamal Haasan gracefully declined. His reason? He cherishes portraying heroic characters and wishes to continue doing so for many more years until Kalki 2898 AD. The role eventually went to Akshay Kumar, who delivered a career-defining performance.
Kamal Haasan: An Institution for Aspiring Actors
Kamal Haasan stands as an institution in the film industry. Aspiring actors look up to him for guidance and inspiration. When asked about his own influences, Kamal Haasan credited legendary actors Sivaji Ganesan and Dilip Kumar. Their impact on Indian cinema remains unparalleled.
Crossing Language Barriers
Kamal Haasan’s journey transcends language boundaries. Despite the political complexities that limited his exposure to Bollywood movies, he decided to explore roles in various languages. His foray into Hindi cinema with films like Ek Duje Ke Liye and Saagar marked a pivotal moment in his career.
The Dhilip Kumar Connection
During this phase, Kamal Haasan had the opportunity to interact with Dilip Kumar. Watching the veteran actor’s decade-old movies left an indelible mark on Kamal Haasan, shaping his approach to the craft.
Senapathy Returns
Kamal Haasan reprises his iconic role as Senapathy, the vigilante who fights against corruption. After 28 years, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Senapathy’s return to the big screen. The trailer promises a deadlier, sharper, and more muscular Senapathy, ready to take on new challenges.
Technical Brilliance
Directed by Shankar, Indian 2 showcases technical brilliance. The late Malayali actor Nedumudi Venu’s character, Krishna Swamy (a CBI officer), has been recreated using AI, adding an intriguing dimension to the film. The ensemble cast includes Siddharth, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Bobby Simha, Guru Somasundaram, and Delhi Ganesh.
Release Date and Anticipation
The audience response to the Indian 2 trailer has been quite diverse. While some viewers appreciate Kamal Haasan’s impeccable screen presence, unique get-ups, and exceptional voice modulation, others have expressed mixed feelings about the execution and the abundance of characters in the trailer. The film fanatics are excited about the stylish and grand commercial entertainment that director Shankar promises, addressing pressing social issues. Overall, the anticipation for Indian 2 remains high, especially among those who grew up watching the original Indian film released in 1996.
Mark your calendars! Indian 2 is slated to hit theaters on July 12. The cinematography by Ravi Varman and editing by Sreekar Prasad promise a visual treat. Despite multiple delays, the film’s revival brings excitement and nostalgia, especially for fans of Kamal Haasan’s Senapathy.