You are playing two different characters in two versions of the same film. How did you pull it off?
Yes, to play Dev (in Hindi) and Veera (in Tamil), who are totally different characters with contrasting style and body language, has been a huge challenge. Actually, I was offered the role of Veera in the Tamil film first; later, Mani sir suggested that I also play Dev in the Hindi film. It was his confidence in me and the fact that no one has ever attempted this before, that made me take up this challenge. This can happen only in Indian cinema as we make films in many languages and I think I’ve done justice to both the roles. I’ve dubbed in my own voice for the Hindi version and the feedback from people who have seen my work has been positive. As an actor, this is a dream come true and it feels good to have pulled it off.
Are you planning to do more films in Hindi?
I’m just testing the waters. Anniyan (dubbed into Hindi as Aparachit) had given me some kind of recognition in Hindi cinema. It got me a lot of offers from Mumbai, but Tamil cinema will always be my top priority. I will take a call on doing more Hindi films after the release of Raavan and that too, only if I get a strong script.
Which character did you like doing more, Veera or Dev?
Veera is closer to me, as the character is multi-faceted; he is large, powerful and there is something about him that makes him a force to reckon with. Dev is closer to a traditional ‘hero’, while Veera has grey shades which gave me the scope to explore a whole new range of emotions. At the same time, I’m really charged about Dev as he is going to get me an all-new audience.
How do you compare yourself with Abhishek, since you are both playing the same role in different versions?
To be honest, right from the beginning, we did not watch each other at work. I haven’t watched him play Beera at all and he never saw me as Veera. We did not want to get influenced by each other and Mani sir too never insisted that we both be present at all times. The only time I saw him play Beera was when we had scenes together. I feel he has done a great job.
Down south, the buzz is that you have terrific on screen chemistry with Aishwarya Rai in Raavanan...
(Laughs) Great to know that. Ash is fantastic in the film.
How was it working with Mani Ratnam?
Mani sir is a director par excellence. He is master craftsman; you get drawn into his filmmaking and imbibe a lot from him. I would rate him as one of the best directors I’ve worked with.
How do you feel Raavanan will perform at the box-office?
It has superhit written all over it. I’m very confident about it as it has been packaged as a classic entertainer.
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