Shankar Speaks on Sivaji.. *(6/5/2007)*
*Shankar on Rajnikanth's image, storyline and message*
*So, the story suits the image of Rajnikanth and the fans can expect the
right mix of entertainment from your combination. Please comment. *
Yes, as I said earlier the teaser trailer has showcased what the fans can
expect from *Sivaji*. It was a tight rope walk throughout the making of the
film, but in the final analysis I think the mixture of the superstar's
larger-than-life image and my story and presentation will work with all
concerned. The bottom line is that the coming together of Rajnikanth and
Shankar will be fully justified by this rollicking family entertainer.
*There has been so many rumours regarding the story of Sivaji. What is the
story about? *
Let the rumours remain as rumours till the release of the film! Is there any
movie maker in the world who will tell you the story line of his film before
release? Any way the basic thread is about a man Sivaji who wants to do
something good for his *Piranthu mannu* (home land) and the ordinary folks
in his village. Sivaji never gives up in the face of stiff obstacles in his
path. The social reformer in him finds new methods to overcome his
difficulties as he continues his one-man crusade to cleanse the system.
*Like in your earlier films is there a message in the film? *
Of course there is a message, for which you will have to see the film. All
that I can say now is that it is a timely and topical message.
*About Rajnikanth, and his look for `Sivaji`*
*Have you made Rajnikanth look appealing to his fans? What is the look you
have given him? *
I think Rajni sir looks dashing and debonair, as he plays a middle aged man
in his late 30's. For that I needed a different look. So before the shoot I
thought like an ordinary filmgoer in Tamilnadu, the way they want me to
project the superstar. I went through hundreds of his photos from his
previous movies and selected two pictures for the new look, and then decided
on the wigs that suited him. Along with Bhanu the wig and hair designer and
cameraman K.V Anand I decided on the look and style. Rajni sir co-operated
with us by doing a make-up test? Which superstar in India will patiently sit
through a make-up to try a new look? He is genuinely humble and simple man;
I have never met a star like him. Later the measurements were sent to New
York, where they made the wigs that were used in the film. As far as the
look and colour tone of the film is concerned, I have given it a colourful
look as it is a family entertainer with comedy, romance, songs, sentiments
and action.
*How was it working with the superstar, and his performance in the film? *
There is only one word to describe his performance in the film- R O C K I N
G! Remember he is a superstar and people buy tickets just to see him, and he
has done full justice to what has been assigned to him. Rajni sir is the
complete professional, a man who does his homework well and still willing to
learn, a director's dream.
*Did he compliment you on your work? *
Rajni sir has not seen the completed first copy of the film, as he is out of
town. He saw bits and parts of it during dubbing and editing of the film, at
that time he told me –you are editing a super hit film! I may sound pompous,
so I don't want to tell you anything further.
*On Shriya, Vivek and Suman*
*Why did you choose Shriya to be the heroine of Sivaji?*
I wanted a very homely girl to play the character of Tamilselvi, a girl who
works in a shop selling music instruments, and she fits the bill. Shriya
looks like a homely girl at the same time can be glamorous too, see the
songs in the film!
*In all your films, the heroine is the homely type like Nandini( Sada) of
Anniyan.*
It is sheer co-incidence that Shriya too is playing a homely girl in *Sivaji
*. But Shriya here has a very sentimental role, the pivot around which the
story moves and she has done a good job. In the songs especially *Vaaji,
Vaaji….* she is simply amazing!
*During the last few years, comedy in a Rajnikanth film has become a must.
How did the new combination of Rajni- Vivek work? *
It is one of the highlights of the film. In the first half it is full of
comedy as Vivek plays a character who is the young uncle of the hero! The
comedy track goes with the storyline and I'm sure the audience will find it
hilarious. The Rajni-Vivek comedy scenes had me in splits, they are really
funny.
*How has Suman shaped up as the bad guy in the film? *
As you know I tried for a lot of actors to do this powerful villain
character, bur somehow it did not work out. Finally I zeroed in on Suman,
after seeing a photograph of his. I asked him to cut his hair, remove his
moustache and change his wardrobe. In my film he plays a very rich man
Adiseshan, a person who wears white throughout the film and is at war with
the hero. After a long time you will find a polished villain in Tamil films.
He has done a commendable job and stood up to Rajni's gigantic image
