Why do you continue to do double hero subjects? After Subramaniapuram’s release I wanted to avoid starring in double hero subjects. Then Goa came along. That movie had my entire gang from Chennai 28 starring in it and I could never say no to Venkat Prabhu. Besides, I didn’t know if I could star in a movie like Goa in the future so I took it up. In Engeyum Eppodhum, I told Murugadoss that I did not want a double hero subject. Murugadoss convinced me to listen to the story before taking a decision. I thought the role was very important for the movie and I liked the message the movie was trying to convey. Rather than focusing on my role alone, I thought I wanted to be a part of a good movie. And the banner is good.

Saravanan would join the list of Sasikumar, Venkat Prabhu

What made you accept Engeyum Eppodhum?

Like I said, despite being a double hero subject the script attracted me. I also wanted to be a part of Murugadoss’ production banner and hence accepted the offer.

What was difficult in Engeyum Eppodhum?

Climax portions were shot for 17 days and I have never done such scenes in any of my previous movies. The experience was entirely different and I had to physically toil a lot for the scenes. You would know it when you watch the movie. I have never done anything similar in other movies.

It was challenging to act with Anjali

Your co-star Anjali Other than Anjali, all my other heroines have been more or less newcomers. However, Anjali is an established name. She has had many awards and it was a little tough coping with her. In other movies, usually I will be ready and prepared for the shots before the heroine. But Anjali has always been ready for the shots here. It was challenging to act with Anjali. She never let me relax. But after a while, I got used to it and it was fun.

On Sarwanand and Ananya

We do not have many scenes with Sarwanand and Ananya in the movie. It’s Sarwanand’s first movie and I found him to have the ability to understand the director’s needs and deliver according to it. There are no combination scenes between Ananya and me. I think Sarwanand will become established after this movie.

Music in Engeyum Eppodhum

There is a slow-beat song called Masama in this movie. I loved the song as soon as I heard it; even Murugadoss mentioned it as his favorite song at the audio launch event. The song is also nicely shot; something similar to the Kangal Irandal song. There is a dance movement with shoulder in this song that will become popular. At that time, I could not dance owing to a ligament tear and we found this shoulder step to be addicting. I am sure this song will have good reach.

About director Saravanan

Saravanan is Murugadoss’ co-director in movies like Ramana and Gajini. This is his first movie and the fact that Murugadoss entrusted him with a big budget movie tells loads about his talent. I am sure he will join the ranks of Bala, Ameer and Sasikumar after the movie is released.

Highlight of Engeyum Eppodhum

Climax is the highlight of Engeyum Eppodhum. We have toiled on it for days and there were about 7 cameras employed for shooting the scenes. This will be a climax that is not seen in any other movies.

Cameraman Velraj

Velraj is associated with many blockbusters earlier namely Pollathavan, Aadukalam and Siruthai. This is a different experience for him and his camera has reached places that were not seen before. I was hoping Velraj would receive a national award for Aadukalam. Somehow that did not happen. But if this movie is considered for any awards, Velraj would be the first person to receive an award. He has done real hard work for the look and feel of the movie.

Editor Kishore

Editor Kishore has worked for Aadukalam before and he has worked in unison with Velraj to create some of the best scenes of the movie.

Music director Sathya There are four songs in the movie with a bit-song in the climax. Sathya’s tunes were okayed the first time he composed them. He knows the feel of the movie and all the songs in the movie will be noticed.

I suffered in the climax

There is a chanceless chemistry between me and Simbu

Vettai Mannan Vettai Mannan is a Simbhu movie and I am playing an important role in it. It’s a story of friends. It’s a gangster movie with an interesting screenplay. This is director Nelson’s first movie, who has earlier directed many shows in television. Simbhu and I have been good friends for about 10 years and we were supposed to do a movie together when I finished Bhagavathy. But then things worked out only now. You can see the chemistry we share onscreen and it would be amazing.

Highlight fight in Vettai Mannan

There is a single shot fight sequence in Vettai Mannan that goes on for several minutes. That was my first day shoot for Vettai Mannan. It’s something of a new attempt in Tamil and it will be talked about after the movie is released.

What is your role in Vettai Mannan? Both our roles are equally important. I do not have a heroine whereas he has three. I am sort of a girl-hater in the movie. We are planning for a combination song but it’s still being worked on.

I have no heroines while Simbu has three

If you have to dance with Simbu, how do you plan to manage it?

Since we are close friends, it can be worked upon. If I cannot match his steps, he will tone his steps down to my level.

What do you like in Simbu?

Simbu knows how to treat his friends and that is why our friendship lasted for 10 years. We talk a lot about cinema.

Do you party hard?

I am not a party type. Other than the movie based events, I do not hang out a lot in parties. I am the odd man out in my friends circle.

Have you committed to any new project?

Nothing committed yet. I am still reading scripts.

The film that you liked in the recent times

I loved Deiva Thirumagal. Rather than climax that entire movie was heartbreaking for me. I would never forget the movie.