Rajinikanth is busy with two films, “Kochadaiyan” and another untitled one to be directed by Shankar. He was to have started the shoot for “Rana”, but the plan changed because of his health problems. “Kochadaiyan” has more of digital and special effects and he has given a one-month call sheet for it. The shooting for the film may start after Pongal. The film by Shankar that follows is awaiting an official announcement. “Rana” might therefore have to wait for some more time.
Producer turns actor
He owns a petrol bunk and plays this role in a film too — the bunk owner in “Poraali” is none other than V. Gnanavel. In the film, he is called Annachi by the hero Sasikumar. Gnanavel started producing films with Roja Combines and later joined actor Jayaprakash to start G. J. Combines. The duo produced some seven films, including “Neranja Manasu” directed by Samudirakani. “Director Samudirakani must have observed me at my petrol bunk and cast me in a similar role in his ‘Poraali'. I have done various roles in films such as ‘Pudukkotaiyil Irundhu Saravanan', ‘Thondan', ‘Puthiya Kattru', ‘Vellore Mavattam' and ‘Meendum Mahan'. But the role I played in ‘Poraali' has fetched me greater recognition. I wanted to be associated with the film industry in some way. That's why I started as a producer, then became a distributor, and now an actor. I am at present acting in half a dozen films. People have started calling me ‘Annachi'; I feel this is because of the impact of my role in ‘Poraali'.”
No to swimming suit
Deeksha Seth is acting with Vikram as the heroine in “Rajapaatai”. Coming from Maharashtra, she is popular in her own right there. If you thought she is just an actor, you are wrong. She is a good swimmer and has won several prizes from childhood. Now that she is an actor, will she don a swim suit on screen? No, says Deeksha categorically. “Not only in Tamil cinema, but in other language films too, I will not wear it even if the scene demands it. I prefer to show my talent as an actor and not as a swimmer.”
