When Siva Mansula Sakti ( SMS ), backed by Vikatan Talkies, worked wonders at the turnstiles, it proved a dream debut for its engineer-turned-director Rajesh. The young technician is now busy wrapping up work for his second film — Boss Engira Bhaskaran — being produced by another worthy banner, Vasan Visual Ventures, which provided the intense film, Naan Kadavul .
Rajesh is very confident about its viability. And the confidence gets a boost, now that he has been signed on by Red Giant, for their next project, in which Udayanidhi Stalin will be launched as hero. “He was impressed with my work in SMS and asked me to come up with an entertainer. I gave him a line, which he liked. We'll begin work soon,” Rajesh smiles.
Fresh pair
But at the moment his focus is on Boss … What perks up your interest in this soon-to-be-released film is its fresh cast — Arya and Nayantara come together for the first time. SMS had debutante Anuya as heroine but for Boss … Rajesh has gone in for the svelte stunner whose screen power is a given. “Basically I wanted somebody who could understand and speak Tamil,” he pauses. So was training Anuya tough? “Yes, not too many improvisations in dialogue were possible,” he pauses with a sheepish smirk. But why Nayantara, in particular? “Because she suits the role to a T — she had watched SMS and had liked it. ‘If my character appeals to me I'll do it,' she said. It did, and she was on board. Nayan's isn't a mere glam role — she has a vital part to play. And it was so easy working with her — no airs at all. If the schedule was to start at 7.30 in the morning, she was at the work spot at 7.25, made-up and ready for the shoot. A disciplined and dedicated actor,” Rajesh sings paeans to the leading lady.
“And when I talk of dedication, the same goes for Arya too — he takes a lot of pain to play a character, big or small. He did a two-scene role in SMS . That's when I got to know him well. He's done a great job,” certifies the director.
Santhanam's comic takes with Jiiva were the highpoints of SMS . “We have Santhanam in Boss … too,” laughs Rajesh. “I like his involvement … he keeps giving fresh inputs.”
A couple of songs of Boss … are being shot in Switzerland — otherwise the locations have been Tiruchi, Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. The man behind the music is Yuvan Shankar Raja. This is another director-composer team that has hit it off really well. “You're right. Even today one FM station or the other keeps playing the ‘Oru Kal … Oru Kannaadi' number from SMS . He has given us some lovely songs for Boss … too.
What's the story like? “ Boss … will be a feel-good film sprinkled with spontaneous and lively humour. It showcases an interesting chapter in a young man's life. And please don't forget to add that it's a film for the entire family,” he chuckles.
